PAWNEE ROCK — Patricia ‘Pat’ Ann Dirks, 89, passed away Nov. 20, 2025, at River Bend Assisted Living in Great Bend, Kan. She was born Aug. 7, 1936, in Great Bend, to Henry and Theresa (Krier) Hoffman. She married Homer Ray Dirks Oct. 19, 1957, in Great Bend. He passed away March 25, 2004.
Pat worked as a registered nurse, receiving her training from the Dominican Sisters, and using her caring and compassionate character to assist patients at St. Rose and CKMC until her retirement. She loved to cook farm to table meals and bake delicious sweets to share. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and participated in many activities including the Turkey Supper for the surrounding area. She loved the holidays and would decorate for all of them and serve as the best hostess to friends and family. Pat worked diligently gardening and taking interest in canning, especially pickles. She was a member of Hillside EHU. Family was very important to her, and she took much pride in the legacy Homer and her had created. She truly was the matriarch that will be missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
Survivors include her son, Dale Dean Dirks and his wife Bonnie of rural Pawnee Rock; daughters, Darla Rae Clarke and her husband Clint of Great Bend, Danine Fay Smith and Dan Chilcutt of Lubbock, Texas; grandchildren, Ashley Fugitt (Ricky), Taree Burton (Aaron), Abby West (Bryan), Kyle Clarke, Jenna Andrews (Aaron), Conner Martinez; great grandchildren, Harley Dougherty, Dustin Fugitt, Tatum West, Carter Andrews, Creed Andrews, Sydney Gould, Taylor Pinkerton, Maddison Farthing, Brody Farthing, Tucker Farthing, Lilly Farthing, Ally Farthing, Brianna Farthing, Isabella Farthing, Will Farthing; great great grandchildren, Caden Black, and Brody Gould. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of 46 years; sisters, Lucille Fuhr, Eleanor Hines, and LaVina Carrier.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Courtney and staff at River Bend, and the Gentiva Hospice team for their compassionate love and care for Pat.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church in rural Albert with Reverend Wayne Baldyga presiding. Burial will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation has been designated from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Memorials have been designated to Peace Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Rd.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 22, 2025
