Robert Ellis Dye

Robert Ellis Dye passed away at Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins, Colorado on Thursday, July 21, 2025, at 92 years of age.

Robert (aka: Bob, Uncle Bob, Dad and Grandpa) was born on September 11, 1932, to Warren and Alice Lucille Dye. He was the youngest of their three children. Robert graduated from Firth High School in 1951 and then went on to join the Air Force serving in the Korean War during his duty stationed in Alaska. After his separation from the Air Force, Robert came back to Idaho and worked various jobs as a mechanic until he landed a job with the telephone company, Mountain Bell where he established his career and relocated his family to Colorado. He eventually retired after 35 years of service with them.

Robert met and married the love of his life, Nancy Steury in 1988. They lived in Denver, Colorado until 1991 when they relocated to Orofino, Idaho and have lived for the past 34 years. Robert and Nancy were adventure seekers and were always on the move with their camper, boat, motorcycles and side-by-side 4-wheeler. They enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with their friends and loved ones. For 25 years, they travelled to Parker Dam, Arizona during the winter months and would spend 5 months out of the year down there also making many friends and memories. They also made their annual trip to Henry’s Lake with many of Robert’s siblings and their families, enjoying the fun competition of who could catch the most fish.

Robert and Nancy were active in their church and community in Orofino.

Robert was preceded in death by his lovely Nancy in 2023 and his daughter Cathy Ryan last December. He was able to stay living in his house in Orofino up until three months ago, when he moved back to Colorado and spent his final days living with his daughter, Pam and son-in-law, Charlie, his grandson, Dean and his son, Shawn. He was strong-willed right up to the very end and still making jokes just days before he passed.

Robert is survived by his and Nancy’s children: Theron Lautzenheiser (Charolette, dec.), Kristin Jordan, Bob Ricks (Dara Kae), Cindy Christensen, Shawn Dye and Pam Whittle (Charlie Poe). Their pride and joy were in their grandchildren Rickey and Eriq Jordan, Dean and Kyle Whittle and numerous great and great-great grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Dad was a force to be reckoned with and was someone you could always count on to have your back and give good advice. Being called a “horses-ass” was a term of endearment by dad and that’s when you knew he liked you. He will be missed forever, but his family is grateful that he is finally at peace and reunited with his love, Nancy.

Per Robert’s wishes a grave-side ceremony will be held in his honor at Firth Idaho Cemetery (Dye Family plot) Tuesday, July 29th at 2:00 p.m.. All friends and family members are welcome.

We know his loss is felt by so many and would like to thank all for the kindness that you have shown to us in this time of grief.

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