Eleanor A. “Ellie” Dirks, 72, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday morning, June 1, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, in Davenport, Iowa.

Eleanor Ann Jones was born on August 4, 1953, in Clinton, Iowa, to Robert C. and Ollie M. (Baughman) Jones. She grew up in Camanche and carried the values of family, hard work, and kindness throughout her life. On May 15, 1971, she was united in marriage to Melvin J. “Spike” Dirks in Camanche, Iowa. To this union, two children were born, Melissa and Michael, who remained a source of great pride and joy to her throughout her life.

Ellie was a hardworking woman who spent many years contributing to the places where she worked and the people around her. She first worked for Pacific Coast Feather in Maquoketa as a filler, and later went to work at Beatrice Cheese in Preston until the plant closed. She then returned to Pacific Coast, where she continued her employment until retirement.

Ellie especially enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She liked playing Bingo and found happiness in spending time with her husband fishing, camping, and riding the motorcycle. Family was at the center of Ellie’s world, and she treasured every moment spent with those she loved.  Above all, she dearly loved being with her grandchildren and took great joy in spoiling them whenever she could.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Melissa “Missy” (Randy) Cutler of Maquoketa, IA, and Michael “Mike” (Sarah) Dirks of Camanche, IA; 4 grandchildren, Allyson, Rylan, Dakota, and Mikey; and siblings, Violet (Brian) Askren, Dale (Connie), Tom Sr., David, Tuff, Jacob (Penny) and Wade (Kristy).  She was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother Eleanor Jones, husband Melvin “Spike” Dirks on November 24, 2012, and grandchild Tricia.

A celebration of her life will be held at 12 P.M., Monday, June 8, 2026, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M., at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Spragueville, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Eleanor A. “Ellie” Dirks memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.