Elsie Jean Diehl, age 77, of Ithaca, died Friday, July 22, 2011 at her residence with her family surrounding her.

She was born on April 6, 1934 to Edgar T. and Elsie Marie (Crosten) Hardin in Cumberland, MD. She was a bookkeeper and an accountant in Gratiot County and Plano, Texas. She loved cooking and sewing. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her first love and husband of 60 years, James R. Diehl of Ithaca; 4 daughters, Teresa (Ike) Wheeler of Ithaca, Debra Crable of Lewisburg, TN, Gale (Kurt) Hutfilz of Lewisburg, TN, and Regina Mast of Ithaca; 9 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Harry Hardin of Alexandria, VA and Charles Hardin of Zephyrhills, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Edgar Hardin; and 2 sisters, Mary Francis Getz and Doris Mae Norris.

A private memorial service was held Saturday, July 23, 2011 in Ithaca with Rev. James Conn officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring. The family was served by Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.