Dirinda Louise Gabbert, 75, of Burden, Kansas, passed away Friday afternoon, June 21, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center.

Born August 9, 1948, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Donald and Betty (Forbeck) Perkins.  She was raised and received her education in Newkirk, Oklahoma.  Dirinda married Owen Gabbert in 1976.  The couple had a daughter and Owen helped raise Dirinda's other four children.  The couple later divorced.

Dirinda worked in Respite Care for the Cowley County Council on Aging.  She enjoyed shopping, specifically at Goodwill and Joseph's Storehouse.  She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Her family includes her children, Christopher Marc Higgins of Burden; Michael Shane Higgins of Winfield; Rhiannon Reicher and husband, Michael of Burden; and nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Dirinda was preceded in death by a son Olen Higgins, a daughter Dawnetta Higgins, a brother Billy Don Perkins, and a sister Ginger Kraft.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, June 28, 2024, at Miles Funeral Service.  Interment will follow at Tisdale Cemetery.  A visitation is scheduled on Thursday from 5 to 8 P.M.  The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 that evening.

A memorial has been established in Dirinda's name for the Cowley County Humane Society.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Funeral services will be livestreamed and may be viewed at the following link: