Delores Ann (Backman) Eschliman, 90, of Hutchinson, KS, passed away December 15, 2023, at The Arbors at Waldron Place. She was born October 12, 1933, in Torrington, WY, to Ralph and Anna (Heil) Backman.
Delores grew up on a farm in the Huntley, WY, area and graduated from Huntley High School in 1951. She attended the Southeast University Center in Torrington, WY, and was among the 2nd class of graduates to receive an A.A. Degree, in 1953, from this branch of the University of Wyoming.
On March 7, 1953, Delores married Larre Eschliman, in Huntley, WY. Larre and Delores were high school sweethearts and graduated together from high school and received their A.A. degrees together.
During her high school years, Delores accompanied all music performances at the Huntley Public Schools and began playing the organ at the Congregational Church in Torrington, WY. She earned more college hours in Elementary Education at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY, and 21 hours in Educational Media Center Skills from the Kearney State College, Kearney, NE.
Libraries and music were her two most enjoyable activities. While in Gothenburg, NE, Delores was the Media Aide at the grade school library for three years. While in Minneapolis, KS, she was head librarian for 17 years at the Minneapolis Public Library, which ended January 17, 1996. Delores accompanied the church choirs at all the churches she attended. She enjoyed her piano music and especially enjoyed playing hymn variations.
Delores and her husband pastored churches in Gresham/Staplehurst (5 years), Gothenburg, NE, (14 years), Minneapolis, KS, (18 years), and Forest Park Presbyterian Church in Hutchinson (3 years). She was ordained as a deacon in January 1999 and was re-elected in 2002, serving for 6 years. Delores was re-elected for another 3-year term in 2007. She was the Moderator for 8 of those 9 years. Delores served on the Pastor Nominating Committee in 2003-2004 and on the Nominating Committee for several years. She was awarded a Life Honorary Membership to United Presbyterian Women (U.S.A.) in November 2004. Delores served as a Co-moderator and/or Moderator of the PW women’s group until the merger with Northminster Presbyterian Church, which became New Covenant Presbyterian Church in 2010.
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, P.E.O. Chapter HQ, and Victory in the Valley Hutchinson Area Cancer Support Group. Delores volunteered weekly at the Hutchinson Public Library, where she re-shelved non-fiction books from October, 1996, to December, 2012. She volunteered during the school year at the Holy Cross Catholic Grade School Library from 2001-2019, where she re-shelved books and cataloged each new book. Delores also cataloged and maintained the libraries at the churches she and Larre pastored.
Delores was preceded in death by: her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine and Don Pierson; and daughter-in-law, Doris.
Survivors include: her husband, Larre Eschliman; three sons, Keith (Heidi), of Hutchinson, Bruce, of Hutchinson, Clark (Penny) of Olathe, KS; 7 grandchildren, Cindy (Charles) Mood, Houston, TX, Samantha (Andrew) Carpenter, Hutchinson, Beth (Devon) Friesen, Hutchinson, Steven (Kayla) Eschliman, Wichita, KS, Luke Eschliman, Olathe, KS, Evan Eschliman, New York, NY, Carley (Joe) Reigle, Durham, NC; 7 great-grandchildren, Karen, Hope & Parker Carpenter, Hutchinson, Henry and Eleanor Friesen, Hutchinson, and Lena and Cyrus Mood, Houston, TX.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Sherman St., Hutchinson, with Rev. Cindy Mood and Rev. Christy Kass officiating. The family invites everyone to remain for a meal following the service. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Eastside Cemetery, 500 S. Cleveland St., Hutchinson.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hutchinson Public Library, Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, Interfaith Housing, or First Presbyterian Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.