Obituary of Melba Jean Pate

Melba Jean Pate, neé Creekmore, 71 of Beach Park, Illinois, passed away on September 13,2023.

Melba was born on July 9, 1952 in Georgia, to the late Melton and Gartha Creekmore. Melba worked for over 30 years in the mortgage industry working for: Sears, PNC, Washington Mutual, and Doevenmuehle Mortgage Corporation. Melba then retired to Arizona and enjoyed adventures with her husband Kenneth “Dave” Pate Sr.

Melba’s pride and joy were her daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She also loved her Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee with French vanilla, light ice, cream, 6 Splenda’s with whipped cream on top. Melba was a member of the Lake County Home and Community Education Club for 38 years. She also was a member of the Red Hat Society. Melba was a devout Christian and a member of Community Christian Church for many years, where she volunteered for the P.A.D.S program.

Melba was the beloved mother of Jeanna (Aaron) Beauchamp, Julie (Ryan) Kelly, and step mother to Kenneth Pate Jr.; loving sister to Henry (Marie) Creekmore and Scott Creekmore; cherished grandmother to 14 grandchildren, Danaca Kraly, Veronica Kraly, Sabrina Kraly, Mathias (Karolina) Strickland, Mitchell (Anna) Strickland, Merrick Strickland, Jordan Kelly, Cody Beauchamp, Brennan Kelly, Natayla Beauchamp, Grady Beauchamp, Savana and Cole Pate; most amazing GG to, Lyncoln Kraly, Grayson Yarbrough, Liam Strickland, Paulina Strickland, Noah Strickland, and Kamila Strickland; and coolest aunt to, Jeff Bandman, Cheryl Goin, Halie Creekmore, and numerous other nieces and nephews she loved.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 30 years, Louis Jack Kerpan; her parents, Melton and Gartha Creekmore; grand daughter, Alyssa Molinaro; in-laws, Ed and Jackie Mjelde, Dolores Rindahl, and Helen Pate. She will be reunited with her fur babies in heaven, Crissy, Misty, Peaches, and most recently Lil’ Angel.

Melba’s generous and loving nature will be greatly missed. Her daughters will especially miss dancing with her to “their” song, “Baby Got Back”, as they always said, “they got it from their mama”.

Please join us for a celebration of Melba Jean’s life on October 14, 2023 at 4 p.m. at the Schlader Recreation Center, 2700 9th Street, Winthrop Harbor, Ill. 60096