Delilah June "Toots" Lea DeBolt, age 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at her home in Arlington, Texas. Delilah was born November 2, 1932 in Altoona, Kansas to parents Raymond Wilson Lea and June Rose Goade Lea. Delilah met her husband of 67 years, Charles "Bob" DeBolt, during her second year of elementary school in Altoona. Delilah moved to Watsonville, California for several years but returned to Altoona in 1949. Bob and Delilah's friendship rekindled, and a romance blossomed. Bob and Delilah were married on October 24, 1949. Bob was the love of her life and her absolute best friend.

Delilah was a source of unconditional love for her family. From the oldest child to the youngest great-great grandchild, she loved her family with all her heart and soul. Delilah was an only child and rejoiced at how large her family grew. She enjoyed bowling and golfing, oil painting, cooking and baking, and writing poetry. She crocheted and made baby blankets for each of her grandchildren. She loved coffee and visiting with friends. She loved to talk on the phone, and you knew if you called her to set aside at least an hour to listen and enjoy her stories. Delilah loved seeing and exploring new places; Sunday car rides after church and lunch were always in order. Delilah was a massive fan of the LA Dodgers and the Dallas Cowboys; she was thrilled this past year when her Dodgers won the World Series. There was never a question about what was on her mind because she would tell you. Delilah frequently shared the story of her Dad telling her she should have been a lawyer because she loved to argue. Often described as stubborn but determined and feisty are better words to describe Delilah. Delilah never forgot her family's birthdays or anniversaries, and you could be sure to find a card in the mail from her on your special day.

Delilah's husband Bob's employment took the DeBolt family on many different adventures when in the late 60s Bob joined the Alyeska Pipeline Project. The decision to join the pipeline project resulted in transferring from Independence, Kansas to Houston, Texas, Bellevue, Washington, and Anchorage, Alaska. When Bob left the pipeline project they transferred to Los Angeles, California, where they lived until 1987. Delilah enjoyed her early years in Northern California and delighted in moving back to California once again. There was one more transfer for them before Bob's retirement and that was back to Texas, this time to Arlington, Texas. Delilah and Bob also lived in Crockett, Texas from May 2010 until Bob's passing in August 2017. Delilah returned to Arlington, Texas in 2017 where she spent her final years at Fox Run Senior Living. Through their years of marriage and transfers, they were always active members in their church homes, singing in the choir, attending Sunday School and bible studies. Their first church home was First Baptist Church in Independence, Kansas, where they raised their children from 1952 until 1969, and where they met many lifelong friends. Their last church home together was First Baptist Church in Crockett, Texas, where they both sang in the church choir for as long as Bob's health allowed.

Delilah's faith was strong and one to be admired. Delilah's favorite bible verse was, "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24. Delilah would want us to rejoice and be mindful that each day is a rich and precious gift from God, with new grace and new opportunities. Jesus says that we have only this one day, and we must not be anxious for the day tomorrow.

Delilah is preceded in death by her husband, Bob DeBolt; daughter, Terry Ruth DeBolt Bodwell and son-in-law, Udell Bodwell; parents, Ray and June Lea; grandson, Kyle Douglas Ekstrom; parents-in law, Charles Edgar "Pops" DeBolt and Phyllis McAdoo DeBolt; sister-in-law, Lois Louise DeBolt Wiles and brother-in-law, Sam Wiles; and nephews, Charles Lester "Skeeter" Wiles and Jerry Flatterich.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who survive her, Bobby Wooten and husband, David; Jacque Fleming and husband, Raymond; Michaela Tuttle and husband, Greg; son, Charles "Chuck" DeBolt and wife, Tracy; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; niece, Phyllis Wiles Flatterich; and cousin, Glenn Lea.

A Celebration of Life for Delilah will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 24, 2021, at the University United Methodist Church, 2416 West Berry Street, Fort Worth, Texas, with Reverend Beth Evers officiating.