Elsie Martha Dirks, 97, died February 19, 2011, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.

She was born February 23, 1913, at Buhler, the daughter of John S. and Lizzie Esau Schroeder.

Elsie was a member of the South Hutchinson United Methodist Church, where she was a former district president for the United Methodist Women, a member of the Naomi Circle and the church sewing group. She was also a member of the Young At Heart Group. Elsie worked in the bakery at the 5th and Adams Dillons for 23 years.

On October 13, 1935, she married Arthur B. Dirks in Buhler. He died December 8, 1979.

Survivors include: two sons, Charles Lee Dirks and wife Deanna, and Alan Dale Dirks and wife Sandy all of Hutchinson; three daughters, Carol Bardshar and husband Jim of Mt. Hope, Joan Morford and husband Steve of Wichita, and Joyce Herrman of South Hutchinson; brother, John Schroeder of Hutchinson; three sisters, Adina Kliewer, Frances Schroeder, and Sue Ann Plenert, all of Buhler; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Kenny and Danny Dirks, an infant brother, an infant sister, and three more sisters, Marie Ediger, Tillie Schroeder and Helen Loepp, and an infant grandson Jon Bardshar.

Graveside service will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 23, 2011, in Buhler Municipal Cemetery, with Memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. at South Hutchinson United Methodist Church with Pastor Tim Ault-Duell presiding. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to the church, or Hospice House, both in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal message for Elsie's family.