Lyda A. Essen, 76, of Benton, passed away at 1:50 p.m., on Thursday, November 7, 2019, at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation in Benton, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 15, 1943, to Floyd and Stella (Pickett) Thornton in West Alton, MO. On September 20, 1959, she married Delbert G. Essen, Jr. and he survives.

Lyda loved her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her pet cat. She was a member of the Webbs Chapel United Methodist Church in McLeansboro, IL.

She is survived by her loving spouse of 60 years, Delbert Essen Jr., three children, Charles Essen and wife Rhonda, of Alton, IL, Chris Hagerman and husband Bob, of Benton, IL and Daniel Essen and wife Carol, of Fayetteville, AR; four grandchildren, Troy "Cassie" Hagerman, Robby "Samantha" Hagerman, Danny "Lacey" Hagerman and Olivia "Tyler" Owens; three great-grandchildren, Gauge, Karcin, Johanna; and future great-granddaughter, Everly, due in March 2020; one brother, Louis "Jackie" Thornton of Troy, MO; one sister, Linda Moffitt of Yorktown, VA; three brother-in-laws, Louis "Kathryn" Essen, John "Jeannette" Essen and Roland "Jackie" Essen; and three sister-in-laws, Betty Thorton, Rosemary Essen and Dale Evelyn Hickman. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Lyda was preceded in death by parents, Floyd and Stella Thornton; one brother, George Thornton; three brother-in-laws, Ken Moffitt, Bill Williams and Ben Essen; and a sister-in-law, Barb Williams.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 11, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 203 W. Church St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 11, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, with Robby Hagerman, officiating.

Cremation will take place per her wishes.

Memorials may be made to Southern Illinois Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.