RUSSELL—Hilda (Bender) Dietz, 96, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.
Hilda was born at the family home on Sept. 20, 1926, in Russell County. She was the daughter of David and Mary (Dietz) Bender. She grew up in the Bender Hill area and attended country schools until high school. She graduated from Russell High School in 1944. She then attended two years at Fort Hays State University before teaching all grades in a country school for three years.
Hilda was united in marriage to Paul George Dietz on June 22, 1947, at the Trinity Bender Hill Lutheran Church. They made their home for a year in Russell before moving out to the family farm. This union was blessed with four children: Ronnie, Danny, Barb and Randy. After retirement, Paul and Hilda moved back to Russell in 2001. Paul preceded her death on April 21, 2015.
Hilda assisted Paul at the meat processing plant that they owned with bookkeeping and wrapping meats. She was also very instrumental in the operations of the family farm. She was a member of the Trinity Bender Hill Lutheran Church before joining St. John Lutheran Church when they moved back to Russell. She was a Sunday school superintendent, a 4-H Leader, a member of the Ladies Aid Sorority before it was known as ALCW, V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and sang in the church choir for over 53 years. She enjoyed playing cards, dancing, bowling, embroidery, crocket and quilting, and spending time with family and friends.
Hilda’s surviving family includes two grandchildren; Shaye Harris and husband Matt and Brett Dietz and wife Callen; sister, Linda Coe; great-grandchildren, Kaden Harris, Kamry Harris and Sutton Dietz.
Hilda was preceded in death by her parents; husband Paul; sons, Ronnie Dietz, Danny Dietz and Randy Dietz; and daughter, Barb Dietz.
Celebration of Hilda’s Life will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the Trinity Bender Hill Cemetery. The family will be present to greet friends from 9 a.m. to service time Friday at the church. A memorial has been established as the Hilda Dietz Memorial Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.