Stella Mae (Helton) Dye 1889-1983

Stella Mae Dye, daughter of Iva Rosetta and Stephen Lee Helton was born July 12, 1889 at Tavern, Missouri. Following a lengthy illness, she passed away December 2, 1983 at the Waynesville Nursing Center, Waynesville, Missouri, having reached the age of 94 years, 4 months, and 20 days.

On March 17, 1907 she was united in marriage to Harvey Franklin “Whis” Dye. In 1918, she and Mr. Dye moved to Hanna, Missouri where they operated a general merchandise business and Mr. Dye was postmaster for several years. In 1942, they moved to Waynesville where Mr. Dye passed away in 1952.

Mr. and Mrs. Dye were the parents of eleven children, six of whom survive her. She was preceded in death by 3 daughters: Elsie Bailey, Mary and Virgie, 2 sons, Charley and 1 son who died in infancy, 1 brother, 2 sisters, 2 grandsons, and her parents.

Those left to mourn her passing are 3 daughters, Freeda Graves of Waynesville, Clara Mae Black of Edgar Springs and Georgia Prumus of Canyon Country, California; 3 sons, Roy Lee and Harvey Dye of Waynesville and Chester Dye of Crocker. Two brothers Chesley Helton of the Palace neighborhood and Elmer Helton of Springfield, 21 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Early in life she professed her faith in Christ and united with the Baptist Church. Upon moving to Waynesville she united with the Deerlick Baptist Church where she remained a true and faithful member until her Lord called her home.

Being a widow for the past 30 years, Stella spent her life being a loving mother. She had a dedicated love and commitment to her family, her friends, and her church. She had many heartaches and sufferings but through her faith in God, she always had the ability to handle her own heartaches through many difficult situations.

Her life has been an inspiration to many people through her sincerity, love, and devotion to her church, her family and her friends.

We have the assurance of knowing that she is now enjoying the eternal rewards which have been prepared for her by God through Jesus Christ.

Funeral services were conducted qt 1 p.m. on Monday, December 5, 1983 at the Westside Baptist Church with Norman Sanders and Pryor Ray Prewitt officiating.

Burial was in the Deerlick Cemetery under the direction of the Long Moss Williams Funeral Home of Waynesville, Missouri.

Pallbearers were here grandsons.