Carol Dye

Carol Ingrid Thompson Dye passed away April 15, 2026 in Billings, MT.

Carol was born April 20, 1936 in Northfield, MN to Linea (Johnson) Thompson & Selmer E. Thompson. She was raised on a farm with her younger brother Erling near Stanton, MN. She attended High Prairie School, a one room country schoolhouse, and graduated from Cannon Falls High School. She then attended and graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.

In July of 1958 Carol moved to Glendive, MT. where she had accepted the position as Parish Worker at Zion Lutheran Church. It was in Glendive that she met Gerald D. Dye and they were married June 30, 1963. Their son Michael Eric was born in August of 1964. Carol and Gerald’s second son David Aaron was born in March of 1970.

In 1965 Carol moved to Billings with Gerald and Michael where she launched her professional career as a social worker with Lutheran Social Services of Montana. She furthered her career when she was employed by The State of Montana in Child Protective Services for Yellowstone County where she worked until retirement.

Following retirement from her social work career Carol was employed as a sales associate at Herberger’s Department Store in downtown Billings until its closing. She then became an employee of The Oak Tree furniture store. She then started volunteering at the Gift Corner at St. Vincent Health Care (Intermountain Health). While at the Gift Corner, Carol worked herself into a position in the Business Office where she helped purchase merchandise for the retail store.

Carol’s Pride and Joy were her sons and later their families and her grandchildren. She attended her sons’ school activities, music concerts, and baseball games. As her grandchildren got older Carol’s support expanded to soccer games and dance recitals as well as school functions.

Carol was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church and served multiple terms on the church council. She was also an active Life member of AAUW (American Association of University Women) where she also served in leadership roles. During her career as a Social Worker Carol earned and received  many awards and accolades including Social Worker of the Year. Carol also served as a board member on the Board of Directors of Lutheran Social Services of Montana. Carol had a passion for children and families which led to volunteering with HOSTS (Helping One Student to Succeed) at McKinley Elementary School.

Carol’s health took a turn for the worse following a debilitating stroke in 2023 and entered the care of the compassionate staff at Aspen Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center. Her physical health declined, but her spirit and infectious smile never faded until she passed into the hands of our Lord in her sleep the night of April 15.

Carol is survived by her sons Michael (Marci) and David, grandchildren Eric (Ginger), Anna (Bryan), and Noah all of Red Lodge, MT, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald, parents Selmer and Linea, brother Erling, and Daughter in Law Pamela Mills.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Lutheran Social Services of Montana, AAUW, St. John’s United, or the non-profit or charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be held for Carol at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Friday May 8, at 2:00pm.

Memories and condolences can be left online on Dahl’s memorial wall or mailed to:

Dye Family

P.O.Box 1668

Red Lodge, MT. 59068