Judy Kay (Brand) Dye

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Judy K. (Brand) Dye, who passed away on November 9, 2025, at the age of 80.

Judy was born in Rushville, Indiana, to Joseph and Kathleen (Willey) Brand. Judy attended St. Mary's Academy in Indianapolis. Later, she attended Marian University where she graduated with her teaching degree and taught for many years at IPS before working in administration with RCA, later bought by BMG. Judy married her husband, Wayne T. Dye, on March 29, 1969, and the ensuing years were full of love and adventure.

One of Judy's favorite things was traveling, and she shared her adventures fondly with her family across the United States, as well as in Ireland with her girl group. She spent many summers with her husband and two sons camping and exploring the outdoors. Together, they also took many trips to the Great Lakes, fishing endlessly. Judy loved nature, wildlife, and pets, rarely having a home without one.

Judy was a member of the Red Hat Society, and she lived every moment with an ardor for life and all it offered. She held positivity and love in her heart at every moment, regardless of the circumstances. She was devout in her faith and was an active member at St. Michael Catholic Church.

Despite never being particularly proficient in the vocal arts, Judy sang loudly and proudly often, including annual birthday voicemails to all her grand and great-grandchildren.

Judy wanted nothing more than to enjoy everything with her family, and she unfailingly attended sporting events, theater productions, and band concerts for her grand and great-grandchildren. She loved every moment and spoke of them to all who would listen.

Judy was an avid reader, and her love of books was passed on to many, as she swapped and gifted books and magazine subscriptions.

Judy, above all else, loved her family dearly. She was the warmth and light in the darkest and coldest days for the many people whose lives she touched. She loved the holidays, and her home was a beacon for her family during the season.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Joe & Katy Brand; her brother, Harry (Skip) Brand; her husband, Wayne T. Dye; and her children, Shayne & Jan Dye, and Kevin Watts.

Judy is survived by her sister-in-law, Yvonne Dye; sister, Vickie & Norman Phelps; her brother, Ronnie Brand (Connie Gallion); sister-in-law, Juanita Brand; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Watts; grandchildren, Chad & Shannon Stearns, Kayleigh & Eric Graul, Natalie & Sam Watts-Sochocki, and Travis Watts; great-grandchildren, Eric, Ethan, and Ellie Stearns and Alex Graul; nieces, Cheryl & Tom Dye and Laura & Beau Campbell; and nephews, Norman (Joey) Phelps, Shawn & Leah King, and Michael Brand.

Visitation will be on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, 1780 West Main Street, Greenfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, Greenfield, with Father Aaron Jenkins officiating. Burial will take place in McCray Cemetery, Wilkinson. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com