Mary Fischer Dirksen, 89, of Uvalde, TX, passed away March 29, 2017 at her home surrounded by family.

Mary was born on January 13, 1928, in Dayton, Ohio to Catherine Steinmetz Fischer and John Fischer. She married Herbert Dirksen June 17, 1950 in Frenchtown, Ohio. Together they had 11 children, 25 grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Mary was a registered nurse. She graduated from Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Herbert and Mary operated a family dairy farm for 19 years before moving to Texas in 1969. In Uvalde, Mary worked as a nurse at Uvalde Memorial Hospital and Amistad Nursing Home where she was Director of Nurses.

Mary is survived by her brothers Carl Fischer and Art, (Regina) Fischer, of Versailles, Ohio, children Irene Light and husband Randy of College Station; Kathy Bendele and husband Ray of Kingsville; Ann Catron of San Antonio; Jane Collins and husband Ronnie of Uvalde; Marge Dunlap and husband Doug, Joan Koop and husband Hermes of Naples, Fl; Linda Dirksen of Orlando, Fl; Beth Andres of Uvalde; Ken Dirksen and wife Barby of Uvalde, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband Herbert Dirksen, children James Dirksen and Mary Dirksen, grandson Michael Catron and brothers Ralph and Richard Fischer.

The Vigil service was held Sunday, April 2, 7:00 pm at Rushing Estes Funeral Home. The Mass of Resurrection was held at 10:00 am, Monday, April 3 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Uvalde Memorial Hospital Auxiliary or Guadalupe Radio Network.