Eleanor Elizabeth "Ellie" Petrich, 82, died November 22, 2008 at Hospice House, Hutchinson, Kansas. She was born August 31, 1926 at Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of Roy and Elizabeth (Hasselbroek) Nixon. She married Bill Petrich August 20, 1948 at Manhattan, Kansas. He died January 21, 1992. A Claflin resident since 1955, coming from Manhattan, Mrs. Petrich was a homemaker. Mrs. Petrich was a member of the United Methodist Church, and UMW, and the Claflin Golf Club, Claflin. She was a longtime bloodmobile chairperson and served on other charities. She also served on the Independent Township Library Board. Survivors include two daughters: Peggy Thome and husband, Tom, Aiken, South Carolina; and Jane Miller and husband, Tony, Independence, Missouri; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Russell Nixon and Beryl Nixon. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the United Methodist Church, Claflin, Kansas. The Reverend Gene Langhofer will officiate. Private family burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday at the Claflin Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. The casket will remain closed. Memorials in Mrs. Petrich's name have been established with the United Methodist Church or the Independent Township Libary, both in care of the funeral home.