Jennifer Kay Pate

Jennifer Kay Pate, 71, passed away peacefully after a three-year battle with cancer on Thursday, June 18, 2026, surrounded by her family. Jenny was born on July 18, 1954 in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of John and Barbara (Lawrence) Lind.

She graduated from Wichita South High School in 1972 and attended Wichita State University. She later worked as a secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. She also worked as an elementary school para and then as a bank card representative.

Jenny and Craig Pate met when they were 18 years old. When he asked her for her phone number, she said “It’s in the book.” She knew he would call and he did. Another year later, he took her to Sonic and proposed. They were married in 1974.

Jenny’s primary focus in life was her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She also went out of her way to be there for her British mother, who became a widow when Jenny was just nine years old.

Family and friends would look to Jenny for her common sense advice. This became extremely helpful to Craig as he began building his residential construction business in Wichita. Jenny kept things on an even keel and had a flair for decorating the homes that he was building. Craig said that Jenny made him a better person.

Jenny was a strong Christian. Her hard-fought battle with cancer brought her closer to the Lord and she spent a lot of time reading her Bible and devotionals.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Barbara Lind; and her sister, Susan Lind.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Craig; her children, Chris (Leslie) Pate, Laura (John) Byerley; 3 grandchildren, Aubrey Pate (AJ Furnish), Riley Pate and Mia Byerley, and one great-grandchild, Aisley Furnish. She is also survived by her siblings, Tom (Judy) Lind and Richard Lind, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 6 pm - 8 pm with funeral service on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 1 pm, both at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W Hwy 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Union Rescue Mission, 2800 North Hillside Street, Wichita, Kansas 67219.