Elma Ida (Hill) Briggs, 90, passed away Monday, July 20, 2009 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City, KS. She was born on January 25, 1919 in Springview, Nebraska, daughter of Milton and Mary (Sanders) Hill.

Elma graduated from Jetmore High School in 1936. On July 15, 1939, she married John Briggs at Kinsley. He preceded her in death on August 17, 1997. John and Elma were involved in construction work until 1945 when they moved to Kalvesta and began farming. She assisted with the farming and was also a homemaker. Elma moved to Dodge City in 2004.

She was a charter member of the Kalvesta United Methodist Church where she was active in UMW, was Chairwoman of Social Concerns, a Sunday School and Bible School teacher, and a member of the Pastoral Relations committee among other duties. After moving to Dodge City, she attended the First Baptist Church, where she joined as a member in faith.

Elma is survived by one son, Joe Briggs and wife Ada of Cimarron; three grandchildren, Randy Briggs and wife Michelle of Viola, Justin Briggs and wife Tracee of Dodge City, and Michele Gifford and husband Darren of Park City; eight great grandchildren, Chance McKinley, Blake, Ashton, and Hunter Briggs all of Viola; Brandon and Brenna Briggs of Dodge City, Makenna and David Gifford of Park City; three step grandchildren, Mike Schubert of Dodge City, Dale Schubert and wife Kim of Jetmore, and Dana Manna of Holcomb; the Wayne and Shirley Wheeler family of Holcomb, and their children LoWaine Robison and husband John, Craig Wheeler and wife Cathy, Carmen Pinegar and husband Jim, Shonda Collins and husband Jeff, Don Wheeler, Linda Edwards and husband Lonnie, and their families also survive. The Wheeler family was not related by blood but certainly in her heart. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and other close relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by one son, John Richard in 1944, four brothers, Robert, Raymond, Russell, and Leon Hill; two sisters, Olivia Rylant and Gladys Diehl as well as her parents.

Funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church, Dodge City, on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 10:00 AM with Dr. Gary Winget presiding. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery in Jetmore. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials can be made to the Kalvesta United Methodist Church or the First Baptist Church, Dodge City in care of the funeral home. Personal Condolences may be left at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.