Gertrude Lillian Pate

Gertrude Lillian Pate passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on November 4, 2019. She was known by many names, including: Lil, Gert, Mom, Grandma, and most importantly, Little Darlin’. Lil was a spirited, funny, and ornery woman. Her Kentucky roots not only inspired her love of southern food, but also her unique drawl on words like: “warsh”, “Franch dressing”, and “ah loooove you”. She loved going to thrift stores, garage sales, Walmart, and the nail salon. She had a collection of silver spoons from places traveled, teacups, plates, numerous knick knacks, sewing machines, toys, games, and other “things” she didn’t even know she had. You could often find her singing to her grandkids, playing card games or sitting on the front porch with a cup of coffee. While these were some of her favorite things, the best gift she ever received was the love of her husband of 62 years. Together, the two of them built a life, and a family, they were proud of. Their love was, and will forever be envied by all who knew them.

Lil’s smile, jokes, and constant desire for back scratches will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Foy Pate; her children, Charlie Pate, Teresia Salliotte, Dennis (Lori) Pate, and Renee (Greg) Krzyzanowski; her daughter-in-law, Linda Pate; her grandchildren, Michelle (Andy) French, Jennifer (Mike) Zandstra, Natalie Perry, Megan (Tom) Burke, Caitlin Salliotte, Nathan McMahan, Denny Pate, Rachel Salliotte, Elizabeth McMahan, Marissa Pate, Kimberly Krzyzanowski, and Gregory Krzyzanowski; her great-grandchildren, Justin, Noelle, Lawson, Corinne, Lilly, Mycha, Kyah, David, Charlotte, Maci, Ava, and Estrella; her siblings, Joyce Lang, Timothy Smith, and Leatrice Beckett; her sister-in-law, Jean Smith; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Emmett Smith, Phyllis Redmond, Larry Smith, and Margaret Hooper; and her grandson, Gregory Stokes.

A visitation will be held Friday, November 8, 2019 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Gateway Church of Christ. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 11:00am at the church. Burial will take place at Michigan Memorial Park.