The Excelsior Standard, Mar. 8, 2024

Delphine Atkinson

Delphine Esmeralda (Deschner) Atkinson, age 102, of Excelsior Springs passed away peacefully March 1, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born April 7, 1921, to Martin and Emma (Blank) Deschner, outside Natoma, Kan. As a child of the Dust Bowl, the “hard times” of the Great Depression molded her on a small Kansas farm.

Delphine moved to Salina, Kan., to attend secretarial school and work. While there, she met her future husband, Mart Atkinson. They were married Dec. 30, 1950. Their union was blessed with love and five children.

Delphine was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Darleen Deschner; brother, Delbert Deschner; and grandson, Brandon Warren.

She is survived by her husband, Mart, of the home; and five children, son Kenneth Atkinson of Excelsior Springs, son Ron (Debby) Atkinson of Norman, Okla., daughter Linda (Jody) Pasalich of Excelsior Springs, son Roger (Elvie) Atkinson of Kansas City and daughter Marla (Phillip) Broadbent of Lawson. Other survivors include 12 grandchildren, Rachel, Shane, Brandon, Heather, Nathan, Amanda, Jesse, Kent, Tina, BJ, Mason and Rolvie; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Delphine was involved with the Excelsior Springs Hospital Auxiliary. She served her church, Mount Calvary Lutheran, with dedicated devotion by leading Bible studies; and as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, and as a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and Altar Guild. In addition, she coordinated prayer chains, dinners and various other duties. Her belief and commitment to God was unwavering, and she raised her children with those values.

She was fond of painting, particularly landscapes, and making ceramics. She also liked to spend time in the garden.

She loved road trips with Mart, family and friends, and traveled to all 48 contiguous states. Even in her final days, she enjoyed going for car rides with her husband Mart.

Delphine especially enjoyed holidays and special occasions that brought her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren together. For many years, she looked forward to annual “girls-day-out” trips with her daughters, granddaughters and eventually great-granddaughters to shop and have lunch for her birthday.

Over the years, she enjoyed playing card games with friends and family. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren are blessed to have fond memories of playing UNO, dominoes and other games with her.

Visitation will be at 12:30 p.m., followed by the funeral services at 2, on Friday, March 8, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 1215 Baldwin St., Excelsior Springs. Graveside services will immediately follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs.

Delphine loved flowers and bright colors, so please feel free to wear something colorful in her honor.