Clarita Marie Dinkel, 78, Hays, died Friday, July 23, 2021, at Via Christi Village surrounded by her family.
She was born August 21, 1942, in Hays, the daughter of William and Albertine (Windholz) Pelzel. She graduated from Girls Catholic High School in 1960, and on August 20, 1962, she was united in marriage to Melvin J. Dinkel at St. Severin Catholic Church. They celebrated nearly 59 years of marriage. Clarita was a daycare provider, opening her home and heart to many children, whom she loved like her own. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and enjoyed playing Bingo, Skip-Bo, crocheting, and reading. Most of all, Clarita loved her faith, family, friends, and her extended daycare family.
She is survived by her husband Melvin, two sons: Bill Dinkel of Hays and Chris Dinkel and wife Kim of Hays, two sisters: Elsie Ewing and husband L.D. of Hays, and Karen Pelzel and fiance’ Ray Irvin of Ellis, two granddaughters: Katie Dinkel of Topeka and Joslyn Dinkel of Hays, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother William.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at St. Catherine Catholic Church, with Fr. Earl Befort officiating. Burial will follow in St. Catherine Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Wednesday at the church. Recitation of the rosary will be at 6:00 pm followed by a vigil service at 6:30 all on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Hospice of HaysMed or to the St. Catherine Cemetery. Condolences and memories of Clarita may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com