Barbara A. Dye

Barbara Dye, age 91, gently passed away at Harmony Hall Assisted Living in Columbia, MD on January 7th, 2026.

She was born in Uniontown, PA to parents Thomas G Spaw and Blanch B Spaw (Ringer). She was the youngest of 13 children. Mom attended North Union High School up to her Senior year when she left to go work to help support her family. Shortly afterwards she meant the love of her life Roy E Dye and dated for several years. She waited as Roy went of to Korea writing him letters weekly. When he returned they dated and eventually married on June 12th, 1955. They were married for 45 years when Roy went home to be with the Lord. Mom worked various job thru out their marriage mostly as a Pharmacy Technician, several years at Arbitron and eventually working in Doctor's offices. The job mom cherished the most was being a mom. She was active in all of her children's activities. She was a room mother at Maryland City Elementary School for all 3 children. A Den Mother for Cub Scouts and attended all of the sporting events, concerts and school plays. Mom was also member of the Eastern Star, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member and other various jobs at her church First Baptist Church of Laurel. Mom was also active in the Maryland City Civic Association and was very active in politics. She first started working in politics in the 1960 presidential race. Mom eventually served as a Chief Judge and Precinct Chairman helping to elect local and state politicians. Often hosting luncheons and tea parties for the candidate's spouses.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Thomas G and Blanch B Spaw, her husband Roy E Dye and her first- born son Thomas R Dye. She is survived by her daughter Sharon Rankin (Dye) of Yulee Florida and son Danny & wife Anna Dye of Jessup, MD and daughter in law Elaine Dye. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Patrick Carey (Lindsay), Melissa Ricks (Matthew), Christopher Carey (Stacy), Benjamin Dye(Angie), Leah Dye, Jamie Eller and Jesse Eller(Annmarie) and 7 great grandchildren: Aston, Braylen, Cayden(Turtle), Drayson, EJ, Jalina and Charlie. She is also survived by her sister Agnes Ventura of Uniontown Pa and numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held at Donaldson Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 28th from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Laurel on Thursday, January 29th at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Laurel in her name to the Church Legacy Fund!