Delores Margaret Books, age 87 of Ellsworth, WI, passed away December 24, 2018 at the Regina Medical Center in Hastings, MN. Delores was born December 26, 1930 in Wabasha, MN to Edmond and Agnes (Laqua) Sexton. She attended a rural country school through 8th grade, High School in Plainview, MN, and took nurses training in Minneapolis, MN. She worked as an LPN at St. John’s Hospital in Red Wing, MN, and later as an LPN at the Ellsworth Care Center for 12 years before retiring.

Delores was united in marriage to Vincent Passe of Wabasha, MN, and twenty-two months later, Vincent passed away with polio. On October 8, 1952, she married Walter Books, a dear friend of her late husband and hers. Delores and Walter’s life was blessed with 8 children. They bought a farm near Bay City, WI and farmed until they retired. They found a beautiful place on the lake in Balsam Lake, WI where they spent twelve years together. Her husband’s failing health brought them back to Ellsworth, where he passed away in 2010.

Most important to Delores was her family. She treasured her time being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Delores enjoyed making quilts and passing them on to her family.

Delores was preceded in death by her first husband, Vincent Passe; husband, Walter Books; son, Kenneth; daughter-in-law, Patricia; and 7 siblings.

Delores is survived by her sons, Vincent Books of Maplewood, MN, Roger (Lori) Books of Maiden Rock, WI, David (Bonnie) Books of Pine Island, MN, Robert (Jo) Books of Greer’s Ferry, AR, Michael (Terri) Books of Prescott, WI, and Mark Books (Joanie Churchill) of Bay City, WI; daughter, Monica (Dennis) Beasley of Pomona, KS; 21 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rita Marcella (Tony) Wallerich and Irene Tritchler.

A Visitation for Delores will take place 4:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 130 N. Grant St., Ellsworth, and one hour prior to Mass at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at St. Francis Catholic Church, 231 Woodworth St., Ellsworth, with Fr. Eric Dadson officiating. Delores will be interred with her husband Walter at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.