Leta Bess Pate

Leta Bess Pate passed from this life Tuesday, July 29th, 2025, at the age of 101. Graveside services will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery on Friday, August 1st, at 9 a.m.

Born on September 29, 1923, in Bell County, Texas, Leta was the daughter of William and Bessie Rodgers Middleton. In 1943, she married the love of her life, Elmo Pate, and together they built a life rooted in the values of hard work, family, and faith.

Leta was a true daughter of the land, born into a farming and ranching family and marrying into one as well. She embraced ranch life wholeheartedly and remained devoted to it throughout her years. She found joy in the simple pleasures of country living and never strayed far from the rhythms of the seasons or the soil beneath her boots.

A proud Texan, Leta was a Texas Longhorns fan. She was also a gifted homemaker and artist, spending countless hours sewing, quilting, painting, and gardening. Bluebonnets held a special place in her heart, as did the opportunity to cook for others. Whether it was a home-cooked meal or a warm loaf of bread, Leta was always ready to feed, nurture, and lend a helping hand.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and love; qualities that will continue to live on in those who were lucky enough to know her.

Leta is preceded by her parents, William and Bessie Middleton; husband, Elmo Pate; brothers, Billy Mason, and Laurice D.; sister, Willena Lee; and son-in-law, Darrell.

Survivors include her son, Frank Pate and wife, Pat; daughter, Connie York; grandchildren, Laurie Ann, Sonny and Kelly, Bodie and Christy and Cloudt; and great grandchildren, Darrell, Stephanie and Daniel, Haygen, and Shye; and great great grandchildren, Anthony, Allison, Marshall, and Emma.

The family would like to thank Accent Hospice for the compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cal Farley’s Boy Ranch, American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF), and to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.