Ethel O. Diehl, 103 of Brookville, KS passed away on April 15, 2026. She was the fourth child of seven born August 4, 1922 to August & Luise (Sterling) Laas on the farm in western Saline Co.
She attended rural Cooley School #45 for 8 yrs, Bavaria HS for 4 yrs and KWU for 2 yrs. obtaining her Elementary teaching certificate. She signed her first teaching contract at a rural school, Chapel Hill near Gypsum, KS, by the age of 18. She continued her own education in the summers by attending night classes graduating from KWU in 1972 after becoming a grandmother. Ethel taught for 34 yrs. She taught 3rd & 4th grade at Brookville Grade School for 26 yrs retiring in 1987.
Ethel was married to Eli Diehl on July 18, 1944 at Immanuel Lutheran Church prior to his service in the U.S. Army. Upon his return, they purchased the farm where he was born and grew up. She lived there for 38 years after his death. They had two children, Jolene and Henry. Proceeding her in death were parents, August and Luise Laas; husband, Eli; daughter, Jolene; brothers, Walter, Otto, Elmer and Rudolph; and sisters, Dorothy Richards and Betty Coburn. Survivors include son, Henry (Liz); grandchildren, Matt Johnson (Lora), Tamarah Johnson, Mary Diehl-Fisher (James) and Jeremy Diehl (Meghan); great grandchildren, Maggie Johnson, Lizzie and Lily Fisher, and Eisley and Gus Diehl; plus many special nieces, nephews and friends.
Ethel was involved in many organizations. She has been a member of the Lutheran Church since her confirmation in 1936. Rebekah Lodge member for 75 yrs, and Ladies Auxiliary Patriarch Militant where she was given the Degree of Chivalry, their highest award. While teaching at Niles, she started a 4-H club. She served as Community and project leader for Brookville 4-H but was a Bavaria 4-H member growing up. Ethel was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. At church, she has been a greeter, usher, member of Altar Guild, Anna Group, and a VBS teacher. She loved attending Senior Citizen group in Brookville. Ethel was in Smoky Hill Cattle Women, KLS but was most proud of her perfect attendance at the annual Laas Family Reunions for over 80 yrs. She was a Bavaria Alumni, along with DWT, and PMO members. Ellsworth County Soil Conservation awarded her the Bankers Award. Farm Bureau presented her with the 100 year Century Farm sign.
Decoration Day (Memorial Day) Services were always followed by a dinner at her home. Lots of friends and good food!! While teaching at Brookville, the end of each year always brought an overnight stay at her house. The girls would spend one night then the boys would come another night. The greatest highlight was swinging across Mulberry Creek hanging onto a rope. There was always the possibility of slipping off!! The Teacher (Ethel) did try to catch a student who decided to go two swings. Needless to say, they both ended up at the bottom of the creek!!! Memories were made. Students grew up and had their own families but they were always her “kids”.
Farming came naturally for Ethel. She hauled in bales, fed pellets, hay and mineral to the cattle and chopped ice on the ponds. In the summer, she was busy preserving fruit from the orchard and vegetables from the garden. Children were taken to 4H meetings, church events and sports. She and Eli managed their time attending all the events.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St. Salina, KS.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 255 S 7th St, Salina, KS, with a luncheon to follow.
A burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Prairie Mound Cemetery, 2978 Ave A, Brookville, KS 67425, following the luncheon, with a time for fellowship at the United Methodist Brookville Church, 114 W Anderson St, Brookville, KS, after the graveside.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or to Prairie Mound Cemetery in her honor.
Ethel leaves us with the following quote: ”Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty, well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, “WOW!! What A RIDE!!”