On June 13, 2015 I attended my aunt Gen Dye's 100th birthday party at an assisted-living home in St. Louis, Missouri.

Here are some photos from the birthday party, and some brief obituaries of my grandparents Fred and Clara Dye that I found in a family bible that someone brought to the party. The bible had belonged to my great-grandfather Thomas H. Dye.

CLARA J. DYE

Clara Jane, daughter of Joseph and Sarah McDuffy Samford, was born near Barnhill, February 13, 1879. She grew to womanhood in the vicinity of her birth and received her education in the Wayne County Public Schools and for several years was a teacher in the Wayne County Schools.

In her youth she confessed Christ as her Saviour and for over sixty years she has been a faithful member of the Pleasant Grove Christian Church.

She was united in marriage with Fred H. Dye, August 31, 1898. Five children were born to this union. The companion and one daughter, Glen, wife of Pierce McNeely, have preceded her in death.

Following an extended illness she entered into rest at the Fairfield Memorial Hospital, Saturday night, May 27, 1962, age 83 years, 3 months and 14 days. She is survived by two sons; Loren of Alton and Wilbur of Decatur, two daughters, Mrs. Gladys Johnson of Cisne and Ruth, wife of Richard Howey of Fairfield, three brothers; Harry Samford of LaPorte, Indiana, Leonard of Fairfield and Dellos of Louisville, Kentucky, two sisters; Mrs. Ruth Wilson and Mrs. Maude Brock both of Fairfield, thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, many other relatives and a large circle of friends.

Funeral services were conducted from the Pleasant Grove Christian Church, Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock by Brother Darrell Dean. Interment was in the Pleasant Grove cemetery.

FRED H. DYE

Fred Henry, eldest son of Thomas H. and Mary Dye, was born at Logan, Kansas, July 6, 1878. He came to Illinois with his parents when four years of age and has resided near Cisne since that time, where he was an active citizen in many ways. Aside from operating his farm, he taught school for many years and also served his Township as Supervisor and many other positions of trust and responsibility.

In young manhood he united with the Pleasant Grove Christian Church and lived a faithful and consecrated life, having taught a Sunday School class for many years.

He was united in marriage with Clara Samford, August 31, 1876. Five children were born to this union. One daughter, Mrs. Glen McNeely preceded him in death March 28 1939.

Following several years of failing health he entered into rest at his home near Cisne, Friday afternoon, November 7, 1952, age 74 years, 4 months and one day.

He is survived by his faithful companion, two sons, Loren of Alton and Wilbur of Fairfield, two daughters, Mrs. Gladys Johnson of Cisne and Mrs. Ruth Howey of Fairfield, eleven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, three brothers, Jesse, Earl and Silas all of near Cisne, three sisters, Mrs. Anna Bing of Gilbert, Arkansas, Mrs. Velma Miles of Joliet and Della of Anna, many other relatives and a large circle of friends who will mourn his passing.

Funeral services were conducted from the Pleasant Grove Christian Church Sunday afternoon by Elder John Lappin. Interment was in the Pleasant Grove cemetery.