Delphine Leilla Anthony

Delphine Leilla Anthony, 90 of Lexington passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Ridgeway Senior Living in Lexington, Nebraska.

She was born on October 24, 1932, at home in Lincoln County, near Farnam, Nebraska to Arthur and Edna (Gaibler) Bick. She was confirmed in the Methodist Church in Farnam. Delphine graduated as the valedictorian from Farnam High School in 1950, and that fall began her teaching career at a rural school near Lexington. She attended Kearney State Teachers College in the summers and taught school in the winters. On June 20, 1954, Delphine married the love of her life, Keith Anthony in Farnam, Nebraska. Two sons were blessed to this union: Scott LaVerne and Thomas Charles Anthony. They moved to the Anthony farm north of Lexington in 1959. They farmed and Keith opened Keith’s Farm Shop in 1980. They received the Nebraska Pioneer Farm Award in 2002.

Delphine joined the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington on October 3, 1954, and was ordained a deacon on January 11, 1970.  She was the Sunday School superintendent and the Vocation Bible School Director for many years, a circle leader, a Bethel Bible Study teacher, a member of Southside Bible Study, and served on many committees in the church. She was presented with an Honorary Life Membership in 1995 by the Presbyterian Women.

She was a receptionist in a doctor’s office for several years and then was asked to join the staff at First Presbyterian Church, first as the church treasurer and then as the office manager. She served for nineteen years and retired in 1998. In 1999, she helped organize the church library and was church librarian for many years. Delphine was an avid reader.

Delphine was a charter member of Mrs. Jaycees, a member of P.E.O. Chapter HV, the neighborhood extension club and Kensington. Delphine and Keith were members of the Polio Survivors Association, a pinochle club, and a supper club.  They were members of the Goldenrod Antique Car Club, where she was the club historian for many years. They were lifetime members of the Dawson County Historical Society and served as volunteers at the Dawson County Museum.

Delphine was devoted to her husband, with whom she shared 55 years, and to her family and friends. She loved hosting get-togethers, whether it was for members of her clubs or for her friends and family.

Those left to honor her memory are: her sons, Scott (Jo) Anthony of Sacramento, California and Thomas (Tina) Anthony of Chandler, Arizona; her grandchildren, Thomas C. (Jessica) Anthony II, Andrew (Andrea) Anthony, and Kira (Luke) Romens; great-grandchildren, Addison Anthony, Aubree Anthony, Clara Joy Anthony, Aedan Neff and Grayson Romens; and her sisters-in-law, Ardyce Bick of Moorefield, Nebraska, Pat Beans of Phoenix, Arizona, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Besides her parents, Delphine was preceded in death by her beloved, husband, Keith in 2010, brother, Harold Bick, an infant sister, Esther, brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Charlene Mays, Verl and Kathleen Hatch, Floyd Beans, and granddaughter Norah Neff.

There will be no visitation as the family is honoring Delphine’s wish for cremation.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, with Reverend Eddie Mariel, officiating.

Inurnment will be at the Hewitt Cemetery north of Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Dawson County Historical Society, First Presbyterian Church of Lexington, Lexington Volunteer Fire Department, or the donor’s choice.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com