MONTEZUMA - Our dear mother, Irene Schmidt Dirks was born to Sam J. and Minnie Schmidt on February 16, 1926. She was born in Montezuma, Kansas. She departed this life to her Heavenly Home on January 15, 2021 reaching the age of 94 years and 11 months.
She remembered and often commented about her happy childhood home and playing and working together with her parents and siblings. She attended school in the Montezuma school district. As a young teenager, she answered the call of God, giving her heart to God, thereby gaining salvation, remaining faithful until the end. She was baptized by Minister Ervin Harms on December 29, 1938, thereby becoming a member of the Church Of God In Christ, Mennonite.

August 3, 1947 was her marriage to Marvin Dirks. She cherished this union and appreciated each child that came to bless their home. Seven children were born to this union, six sons and one daughter. They made their home at Montezuma before moving to South Dakota and then to Wisconsin, finally settling in Arizona to complete their married life. Dad passed away in 1995, leaving mom a lonely widow for over 25 years. Mom continued living in Arizona for 12 years before moving to Bethel Home. Much of mom's life was a life of service, whether family, relatives, friends, or people of the surrounding community. She was involved in Home Health Care and voluntarily caring for the less fortunate. She thoroughly enjoyed quilting and at Bethel home this gave her many opportunities to meet and visit with many people. She was a great inspiration and brought sunshine to many people while at Bethel home.

Those left to cherish her memories are Richard and Carolyn Dirks, Jamesport, Mo., Lucille and Milton Schmidt, Pearce, Az., Dennis and Donna Mae Dirks, Rice Lake, WI., presently serving at Wide Ruins, Az., Robert and Margaret Dirks, Hereford, AZ., Ervin and Martha Dirks, Barron, WI., Donald and Sue Dirks Barron, WI., thirty-one grandchildren and sixty-four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Marvin, one son, Eldon, six siblings, Susie Schmidt, Alice Smith, Alma Dirks, Dorothy Schmidt, Henry Schmidt, and LeeVern Schmidt and six grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Charles Schmidt and Lyndon Toews presiding. Burial will be at a later date at Mountain Valley Mennonite Church in Wilcox, Arizona. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Monday, January 18, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.