Hazel “Ila” Diediker, age 88, of Topeka (formerly of Osawatomie) died Friday, July 15, 2011 at her home in Topeka, Ks.

She was born August 18, 1922 in Osawatomie, Ks to William and Ethel (Cook) Whitney.

Ila married Laverne “Dutch” Diediker, August 30, 1941 in Osawatomie, Kansas and made their home in Kansas City. While there she worked in a Shoe Store and Dress Boutique. They then moved back to Osawatomie in 1947. A short time after moving back they both opened the Dairy Bar in Osawatomie, Ks. In 1954 moved to Spring Hill, Ks. where she was a stay at home mom to raise the kids. The family moved to Overland Park and Mission before moving to Topeka in 1957.

In the late 50’s she began working at the parks dept then transferred to the Water Dept in 1962 and retired in 1984 after 25 years of service with the City of Topeka. She was an avid reader and after she lost her eyesight she had a passion for talking books. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles and cooking.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2007; her parents; four brothers: Perk Whitney, Jim Whitney, Everett Whitney and Wally Whitney; three sisters: Margaret Kester, Trissie Diediker and Rosalie Lough.

She was survived by her sons, Larry and Lynn Diediker of Willis, Tx. and children, Lane Brannon and Clenn Diediker; daughter, Leeann and Terry CrossBear of Topeka, Ks and child, Lisa Steelman; Daughter, Sue and Jay Viergever of Topeka and children, Nick Janeski, Jana Dunham, Rosa Janeski and Jessica Janeksi; 8 great Grandchildren and other family and friends.

Graveside service 10:30am, Monday, July 18 at the Osawatomie Cemetery, Osawatomie, Ks.

Memorial may be made to the Topeka Public Library, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka Ks, 66614.