Ida Mae Dlabal, 104, passed on to her eternal resting place, Monday, August 4, 2025, in Ellsworth, KS. She was born on December 29, 1920, to Edward and Josephine (Svoboda) Vlcek in Ellsworth, KS. She graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1938. On January 13, 1942, she was united in marriage to Stephen S. Dlabal Sr. Ida and Steve made their home on the family farm outside Wilson, KS. They welcomed two sons, Stephen S. Dlabal Jr. in 1951 and James Dlabal in 1959.
In her early adult years, Ida attended beauty school and was a hair stylist in Ellsworth. She then spent much of her time being a homemaker, farm wife and mother. In 1969, she joined Wilson Jr./Sr. High School as head cook and quickly became one of the favorite “lunch ladies.” A new Wilson school was built in 1998, where Ida was head cook for the K-12 building. She arrived early to work every day to make fresh dough for homemade bread and cinnamon rolls. Making sure no one was hungry was her top priority. Ida served up lots of warm meals alongside compassion, with a dash of humor, to students and staff until she retired in 2012 at the age of 91.
Ida was also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She was affectionately called Grammy by all her family (and even those unrelated to her). She loved her family fiercely and would do anything for them. She also knew where they all were, what they were doing, and what was happening on the farm at all times. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren could often be found at her house enjoying a sweet treat or playing cards with her.
Ida lived independently herself till she was almost 104, staying active and busy, even after her retirement. She kept baking, donating cinnamon rolls for the local blood drive and other events. She also could be found in her rocking chair embroidering many items for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When she wanted to relax, she enjoyed watching various sports on TV.
Ida will be remembered for her quick wit, humor and bringing a smile to all those she encountered. She also was deeply committed to her Catholic faith and was instrumental in bringing others to join the church.
Ida was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Josephine Vlcek, husband Stephen S. Dlabal Sr., sister Dorothy Manzo, brother James Vlcek, and daughter-in-law Rosemary Dlabal. Her legacy will live on in those still living: son Stephen Dlabal Jr. (Carmel), son James Dlabal, grandchildren: Corey Dlabal (Jennifer), Darwin Dlabal (Sarah), Melanie Elizondo (Tony), Stephanie Rathbun (Austin), Joshua Dlabal (Brenna), Justine Dlabal, Aaron Dlabal (Hannah), Ethan Dlabal (Laura), and 15 great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM, Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. Visitation will be Friday, 5-8PM with the family receiving friends until the Vigil & Rosary Service at 7PM. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Ellsworth County Medical Center or Good Samaritan Society – Ellsworth and sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com