Blanche Dye

B lanche (Kugler) Dye, 99, of Centralia, KS passed away Friday, December 28, 2018.

Blanche “Billie” was born in Centralia, KS on July 22, 1919 to John Peter and Elizabeth (Marticke) Kugler. She graduated from rural White Hall School and later Centralia High School in 1936. Blanche was employed by the Centralia Telephone Company before moving to Wichita in 1941 to work in aircraft factories during World War II.

Blanche married Frances E. Harmon in 1942. They were later divorced. In 1964 Blanche married Orvan L. “Pappy” Dye. They enjoyed travelling and toured 46 of the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico.  She retired as a secretary to the Personnel Manager of Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, KS. She returned to Centralia to make it her home in January 1987.

Blanche was a member of the Leisure Lodge Club, Kensington Club, Centralia Reading Circle, Maize Friendship Club (EHU), a board member of the Centralia Library, Beta Sigma Sorority, and the Rose Douglas Chapter. She was also a member of the Eastern Star in Wichita, KS and served several years on the funeral service.

She loved gardening and music. Her favorite song was “Rhapsody in Blue” by Gershwin.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Orvan “Pappy” Dye in 1982; Sister Esther in 1935 and sister Blondena in 1999.

She is survived by her niece Mary K Patterson of Liberty, MO; seven great nephews, Brian, Richard, Steve, Tracy, Bill, Bob and Chris; one great niece, Pam; and several great-great nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Centralia Community Church – West in Centralia, KS. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to service time at the church. Interment will be made in the Old Mission Cemetery in Wichita, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to the Centralia Library or charity of donor’s choice, sent in care of Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle Street, Seneca, KS 66538.