Susan Judith "Susie" Dye

Susan Judith Dye, 71, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, slipped peacefully into the night May 7, in Missouri Valley.
Susie was born Aug. 14, 1941, in Mousie, Ky., to James Brown and Melba McClung. She was the eldest of two sisters. Susie had a great deal of responsibility while growing up. Her mother passed away from tuberculosis when Susie was 9. After that, she helped her father raise her younger sister, Sandy, while her father worked hard to provide for both of them.
Susie graduated from high school in California. A few years later she moved to Reno where she met and married the love of her life, Ralph Vern Dye. He fondly remembers going to a friends home to trade horses and received an invitation to dinner. That is where they met. He said he went home empty handed where horses were concerned, but Susie captured his heart. They were married one year later and moved to Iowa. They celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in January.
Susie was an excellent chef, working at several prominent restaurants in the Omaha raea in her younger years. She received several rave reviews in the paper complimenting her talent in this arena. Susie later turned her passion for cooking into a highly esteemed career in dietary services She completed her education at Iowa Western in 1985, named a very valuable mentor in her graduating class. She continued to excel as Dietary Services Manager for skilled care facilities until her retirement. She was loved by all she worked with. After retirement, she embraced her love of the farm and animals. She bred and raised Boston Terriers, then sent them off to be loved by other families. She fell in love with so many, that a lot of the pups took up permanent residence at the farm.
Susie was an extremely talented painter. It was a passion of hers and she sold several canvasses. She enjoyed all kinds of handwork, including knitting and crocheting. Some of the fondest members of Susie was sharing those passions and talents by teaching them to her family. She especially enjoyed making heirlooms for all her friends and family. She always had her knitting at the side of her chair to pick up whenever she had a spare minute.
Susie will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved her. It is so hard to say goodbye to our dear ones…but we look forward to the joyful reunion. We wouldn't fully appreciate the joyful reunions ahead without the tearful separations now. The only way we can take the sorrow out of death would be to take love out of life. "Though sorrow comes to every heart that dares to let love in, It's that same love that carries us until we meet again.."
Survivors include her husband, Ralph Vern Dye, Logan; daughters, Kathleen Hinkel, Missouri Valley; Hope Moackler (Frank) Omaha; and four grandchildren, Kaine Dye, Iowa; Jonathan Dye (Kyla), Council Bluffs, Joe Thompson (Lea), Papillion and Dawn Armstrong (Craig), Utah; and 12 great grandchildren, Anthony, Drew, Ethan, Julian, Ava, Sophia, Payton, Cameron, Kailee, Madyson, Greyson, and new baby due in November.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Melba Brown; sister, Sandy; beloved son Jake Vern Dye; grandson, Mark Lee Brule; and great grandson, Tre Michael Armstrong.
The family thanks the many doctors that treated her. They appreciate the staff and volunteers at Longview Nursing Home, where she was treated with such kindness and love during her time there. They also thank Hennessey-Aman Funeral Home for their exceptional service.