Ermeline J. “Erma” Dinges, 87, Hays, died Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Via Christi Village.
She was born April 17, 1938 on the family farm in Hays, the daughter of Leo A. and Angela (Klaus) Leiker. Erma primarily worked at Travenol, but the job that brought her the greatest pleasure was driving the special needs bus for USD 489. On January 24, 1957 she was united in marriage to Norman Gross in Hays, and to this union were born two children, Brian and Sharon. Erma and Norman celebrated 12 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on June 4, 1969. On May 26, 1972, she was united in marriage to Jim Dinges at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and they celebrated 49 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on October 9, 2021. Her memberships included St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella Circle #254.
Erma was an avid bowler, competing in state tournaments, and was skilled at woodworking, leatherworking, upholstery, and sewing. Her family continues to use and treasure the Pollyanna game boards she made for them. Erma made delicious baked goods, especially rolls, had an extensive movie collection, and entertained many while playing the harmonica. She and Jim delighted in welcoming friends and family to their pool where aquacise and swimming lessons were offered, and they cherished weekends at the lake filled with fishing and time with family.
Survivors include her daughter Sharon Gross of Gardner, one stepson Mark Dinges and wife Tina of Kansas City, MO, five stepdaughters Helen Werth and husband Vince of Munjor, Belinda Braun and husband Andy of Victoria, Judy Dinges of Lawrence, Sherry Stettinger and husband John of Great Bend, and Stephanie Heil-Grover and husband Mark of Portland, CT, two brothers Reinhold “Ronnie” Leiker and wife Diana of Hays and Art Leiker and wife Marilyn of Hays, 14 step grandchildren, numerous step great grandchildren, two step great-great grandchildren, and her very good friend Jessica Rhoden.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Norman Gross and Jim Dinges, her son Brian Gross, her stepson Harry Dinges, four brothers Herbert, Erwin “Erv”, Kenneth, and LaVern Leiker, her sister Norine Leiker, and a step grandson Dan Braun.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery in Munjor. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to HaysMed Hospice or to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi. Funeral services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Erma may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com