Wanda L. Dye, 78, of rural Alliance, NE and recently Hermosa, SD, died Friday, May 13, 2016 at the Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City, surrounded by her family.
She was born October 2, 1937 to Fred and B. Irene (Bangert) Seidler in Alliance. She graduated from high school at University of Nebraska School of Ag in Curtis in 1955. She married Erwin Dye on March 18, 1956 in Alliance. They farmed and raised cattle with Erwin’s family until 1982 when they began farming and raising commercial Angus cattle with their sons. Wanda helped in the fields and corrals, cooked many meals, gardened and raised beautiful flowers. She worked for a few years at LB Murphy’s in Alliance, doing tailoring and alterations. Wanda sewed clothes for family and grandchildren and in recent years became an accomplished quilter. She created beautiful quilts and home accessories for herself, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took many classes and workshops at Pat’s Creative with her friend Junie Hooper and loved learning new techniques and patterns.
Wanda was an active 4-H mom and grandmother, helping with many projects from livestock to sewing to baking. She guided many young hands in sewing projects, including family and beyond. For many years she was active at Immanuel Lutheran, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and serving on altar guild.
She is survived by her sons, Chester Dye, Bart and Kathy (Moore) Dye of Alliance, Jack and Penny (Stalnaker) Dye of Hermosa, SD. Her grandchildren Karina and Marty Jones of Berwyn, Trista and Cory Rose of Hobart, OK, Brianna Dye of Gillette, WY, Alyssa Dye of Lincoln and Chase Dye of Alliance. Her great granddaughters Mahaya, Maysa and Makamry Jones and Lakyn and Taylyn Rose. Wanda is survived by her brothers Gerald (Irene) Seidler, Larry (Connie) Seidler, Dale Seidler and sister-in-law Jean Seidler. She is also survived by other family including Jim and Judy Dye (Alliance), Denise Koozer (Alliance) and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Erwin, brother, Wilbur, and sister-in-law Betty Leistritz.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 20 at 1:00 p.m. at the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Reverend Martin T. Schnare and Reverend Richard C. Mueller will officiate. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family being present from 5-7 p.m.
Memorials may be given to Hospice of the Hills at 224 Elk St, Rapid City, SD 57701, Box Butte County 4-H or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.