Rosemary “Rusty” Dirksen entered her eternal life in Christ on Monday, February 28, 2022, passing away peacefully in her home in Goessel. Rusty was born April 27, 1938 in in Sparta, Illinois to John Wesley and Flossie Irene (Lodge) Brown. After graduating from Glendale High School (California) in 1954, she completed airline school and was employed as a teletype operator for TWA in Kansas City. There she met Robert R. Dirksen, and they were united in marriage on May 20, 1958.
Following time in Kansas City and Salina, she moved with the family to St. Charles County, Missouri, where she spent the rest of her married life. Rusty was a stay-at-home mom until 1978, when she returned to the work force. She worked as a teletype operator and office manager until her retirement. Throughout these years she was active in her church, school activities, Athenian Club, and neighborhood events. She also enjoyed traveling and camping with her family. Robert died in 1987, and in 2003, Rusty moved to Goessel, where she remained active with family and church.
Rusty is survived by her son Ron (Sandy) Dirksen (Foley, Missouri); daughter Debra (Keven) Hiebert (Goessel); granddaughter Lauren Hiebert (Emporia); sister Ann Ellison (Freeburg, Illinois); brother John (Ruby) Brown (Steeleville, Illinois); and numerous nieces and nephews in Illinois and Kansas. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert; brother Jim Brown; and sister Joy Dahlem.
Visitation will be Friday, March 4, from 5:00-7:00 at Miller-Ott Home in Goessel, with family present. Witness to the Resurection is Saturday, March 5, at 11:00 (preceded by viewing at 10:30) at First Presbyterian Church in Newton. Lunch will follow for anyone who wishes to stay. Rusty will be buried beside her late husband on Monday, March 7, 11:00 (preceded by viewing at 10:30) at Dardenne Presbyterian Rock Church and Cemetery, Dardenne Prairie, Missouri. Lunch will follow for anyone who wishes to stay.