Elberta LaRae Richardson Pate
Elberta LaRae Richardson Pate passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026.
Elberta was born on December 11, 1938 in Firebaugh, California to Elbert and Gladys Richardson. She grew up in Bakersfield, California and graduated valedictorian from North High School in 1956. In 1962 she moved to The Rincon and shortly after she settled in Montecito, California which would remain her home for the next 60 years.
She started golfing in the 1970’s at Montecito Country Club which became a life long passion. She and her husband, Donald Pate, instilled the game of competitive golf in their sons, John and Steve, and it became an activity that their family would bond over for the rest of their lives.
Her love of golf was rivalled by her love of travel, where she often combined the two. She and her second husband, Ed Bero, loved travelling the country watching her sons, John and Steve, play golf. She travelled all over the world with family and friends–to China and South Africa with her friends known as “The Bag Ladies,” on a European cruise with her late husband Jack Mosely, and to Augusta, Georgia to watch Steve play in the Masters were some of her most memorable trips.
In 1994 she met Jack Mosely who she quickly fell in love with. They married in 1995. Jack had his adult children Missy Mosely Bennett and Jack Mosely, Jr. They shared a love of golf and travel and were happily married until Jack passed away in 1999.
Professionally, Elberta was a well respected Realtor in the Santa Barbara region for 50 years. She loved her business, her clients, and the camaraderie of fellow agents. She was a legend in the real estate industry.
In 2006 Elberta reconnected with Donald Davis, of Eureka, California, at their 50 year Bakersfield class reunion, and they remained close companions until her passing.
Her family loved spending holidays with her. She was known for always having a puzzle out, making the best chocolate peanut clusters, and taking Scrabble and cards very seriously. Her four grandchildren often spent New Year’s Eve with her when they were younger. Celebrating at 9pm with the two younger grandkids–Matt and Taylor, and finishing the night with a Law and Order marathon with Nicole and Sarah. Her great-grandchildren–Ella and Noah–loved exploring the main house at Casa Dorinda and running around the grounds.
She is lovingly remembered by her sons John and Steve Pate; her daughter-in-laws Susan and Sheri Pate; her step children Missy Mosely Bennett and Jack Mosely, Jr.; her four grandchildren Nicole, Sarah, Matthew, and Taylor Pate; and her two great-grandchildren Ella and Noah Roth.
Elberta will be remembered for her tenacity, grace, sense of humor, and her dedication to her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.
We want to thank Dr. Babji Mesipam, Sarah and Zaira for many years of care. We also thank Therese, Alex, Cristina and staff at Casa Dorinda for their care and love extended to our family.
Please join us for a graveside service to be held on Wednesday, June 10th at 2:00pm. Santa Barbara Cemetery, Channel Drive, Montecito.
