Crystal (Kelley) Pate

Crystal Pate, age 53, of Williams, IA, formerly of Pittsfield, IL passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Mason City, IA with her family by her side after a 6 year battle with cancer.  She was born on April 20, 1969, in Pittsfield to John and Lois Phillips Kelley, Sr.  She married Kevin Pate on July 3, 1992, at their home in New Salem and he survives.

Crystal graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1987 and went on to attend Gem City College where she received an associate degree in Fashion Merchandising.  She worked various jobs including State Street Store in Quincy as a men’s tailor as well as Griggsville Estates, and IGA in Mt. Sterling where she met her husband.  She also worked at Neimann Foods until their son, Andrew, was born and then became a stay-at-home mom.  Kevin’s job took them to Williams, IA in March of 1998 where they have spent the last 25 years.  Crystal loved mushrooming and forging for wild edibles as well as 4-wheeling, canoeing and boating.  She absolutely loved being outdoors and animals but most of all, she truly loved and adored her family.  Crystal could sometimes be opinionated but you always knew where you stood with her.  She was strong and fought the good fight until the end.  She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her loving husband, Kevin Pate; son, Andrew Pate and girlfriend, Tara of Williams, IA; mother, Lois Kelley; brother, John (Jamie) Kelley, Jr. of Griggsville, IL; sister-in-law, Kathy (Kevin) Knight of Timewell, IL and Karen (Greg) DeWitt of Versailles, IL; and nieces and nephews, Ryan Kelley, Jenna Kelley, Kyle Knight, Kelsey (Jeff) Holst, Katie DeWitt and Lindsey DeWitt.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Kelley, Sr. and brother, Tim Kelley.

A Celebration of Life in Iowa will be held at a later date and is to be announced.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Memorials are suggested to be made to the family c/o Niebur Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.

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