"What a lovely service for a lovely lady! I just watched the picture video. Such a pleasant way to share memories of Ellen Kay's life. I especially enjoyed seeing the pictures of her younger days. George, Rita, Ross, Terry and Michael have been in my thoughts especially this day. May being together help to support one another. Linda"
In loving memory of
Ellen Kay Dirks
November 11, 1935 - February 20, 2021
Ellen Kay Dirks, 85, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2021, at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion. She was born on November 11, 1935, in Hampton, to Manley J. and Hazel F. (Azeltine) McCormick.
Ellen attended Prairie Side #9 Country School thru 7th grade. She then attended and graduated from Franklin Consolidated in Latimer. Ellen met George Dirks and they were united in marriage on April 1, 1961, in Chapin.
She worked for the United States Post Office for 30 years, working in Meservey, Mason City and Hampton, and retired on June 19, 1991. Ellen was an officer on the county, district, and state level for the Iowa Rural Letter Carriers Auxiliary, as well as an officer for the American Legion Auxiliary in Meservey. She was a member of the Candle-Stick Chapter National Daughters of the American Revolution, where she was chapter officer and regent, and was a long-time member of the Hampton United Methodist Church. Ellen was instrumental in getting the NSDAR plaque on a stone for the Old Stone House near Geneva. She enjoyed playing golf and caring for flowers.
Ellen is survived by her husband George Dirks, son Dr. Ross (Terry) Dirks, daughter Rita Dirks, grandson Michael Dirks, sister Linda Fae (Tracy) Hayward, brother-in-law Don (Mae) Dirks, sister-in-law LaVonne McCormick, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Manley and Hazel, in-laws George and Alice Dirks, brother Bob McCormick, sister Cora Lee (Duane "Curly") Thielen, sister Carol Dee (LaVerne) Thielen, sister Marilyn (LeRoy) Miller, sister-in-law Eiola (Bob) Kramer, sister-in-law Grace Dirksen, brother-in-law Dick Dirksen, and nieces Joyce Miller, Ashley Thielen, and Linda (Kramer) Tjarks.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Hampton United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 1, 2021, at Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Burial will be in the Meservey Cemetery at a later date.
Ellen Kay's service will be live streamed via "Zoom" at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 2, 2021.
To join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89762454603?pwd=cWxGYUp4UG1PQS91alBWRFRCQ0orZz09
Meeting ID: 897 6245 4603
Passcode: 675778
Memorial contributions may be given in memory of Ellen Kay Dirks to MercyOne North Iowa Hospice, Mason City or Gateway Hospice, Clarion.
Tributes
"My sweet Aunt who loved laughing, always had open arms and an open heart, and had the most colorful, beautiful soul. I miss her presence in this world... "
"My deepest sympathies to your family."
"George and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife and mother, May she rest in peace."
"Love and prayers George and family . I have many fond memory?s and miss our visits and time we spent together Audrey and Howard Powers "
"My heart is heavy. Sending hugs for my friends. "
"Jim and I send condolences and prayers to you, George, on the passing of Ellen Kay. You'll have so many good memories that will comfort you over the next months. Thinking of you at this sad time, Jim and Wendy Murphy"
"George we are so sorry to hear of Ellen Kay?s passing . You have a lifetime of memories to hold near and dear to your heart. I still have the golf clubs that I bought from Ellen Kay in Aztec. Prayers are coming your way. From Ken and I."
"From the time I first met Ellen, at the Old Stone House during the time she was trying to get the National declaration, I immediately liked her and ever after was drawn to her in far ranging conversations about lots of things we both enjoyed. George, our hearts know you will miss her so much. We pray God?s comfort and peace to surround your family and you. Ellen will not be forgotten by us. Deb and Tim Harrison"
"George, so sorry to hear about Ellen Kay. Our prayers are with you. Augie and Sandy Korchinski"
"George, sorry to hear about Ellen Kay, we all had fun when we were neighbors for so many years. My mom passed away of Covid related illness in Nov2020 . My feelings are with you "
"My thoughts and prayers at this difficult time many memories of Aztec where I lived as a winter visitor great lady lov Barb xoox "
"Darrell Paullus Sorry for your loss George, Ellen Kay Was a good teacher to me when I was learning the various duties at the Hampton Post Office. "
"So very sorry for your loss George and Rita. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Sympathies to the family. Ellen Kay was a special lady that I have known for 55 years. So sorry for your loss George, Ross and Rita."
"I used to go visit her at apple valley. Prayers headed your way."