Delores "Dee" L. DeLay passed away at age 90 on December 3, 2023, at Banner Health in Ogallala after a long illness of dementia.
Delores was born January 3, 1933, to Emil and Ester Alice (Reneberg) Badenhoop at Smith Center, KS, where she grew up with her brother, Richard. Delores graduated from Smith Center High School in 1950.
In July 1950, Delores married Louis Lee Barnhill in Lincoln, NE, and their daughter, Janis, was born in 1952. The family moved to Hastings, NE, for a few years then settled on a farm near Kensington, KS. Lee worked with his father-in-law, Emil, in the family farm and cattle business, known as B&B Ranch. Delores was a farm wife and stay-at-home mom for many years and she loved bowling; she belonged to a league in Kensington.
Lee and Delores loved racing stock cars for about 10 years until Lee passed away of pneumonia in 1966. Delores and Janis then moved into Kensington, where Janis went to high school and Delores worked as a secretary for Kensington Grade School.
After Janis graduated from high school in 1970, Delores moved to Boulder, CO, where she worked at the University of Colorado for 21 years, retiring in 1999. She married Gene DeLay in 1978 in Las Vegas and they lived in Boulder. Las Vegas was a favorite vacation destination for most of her life. Gene had 3 sons who spent many weekends with them. The couple divorced in 1996.
Delores was an avid reader who read hundreds of books over her lifetime and had a very extensive library in her home. She also belonged to a book club in Boulder and enjoyed going downtown to a pub where she had many friends. Delores loved the Colorado mountains and would take friends and family on scenic drives and shopping.
In 2001, she relocated to North Platte, NE, to be close to her daughter and family. She played Bunco with new friends, joined a local book club, and spent time with her family.
Delores is survived by her daughter, Janis Barnhill Knight of North Platte and grandson, Spencer G. Knight of North Platte; granddaughter, Joni Knight Morash (Dan) of Stapleton; and 3 great-grandchildren, Keith, Summer and Paige Morash.
Along with her first husband, Lee, Delores was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Richard.
Cremation was chosen and there will be no services. Inurnment will be at Germantown Cemetery, near Kensington, KS, close to her parents, Ester and Emil Badenhoop.
Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the NP Alzheimer's Support Group (116 Church St., North Platte, NE, 69101). Cards to the family may be sent to 2619 W. Philip Ave., North Platte, NE, 69101. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.