Rena Don Dye

Rena Don McDonnell Dye passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2023, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1932, in Del Rio, Texas. She is preceded in death by her mother, Dora Lanham, whom she loved without limit. She is survived by her children Dagny Schmidt of Austin and Will Dye of Dallas. They both understand the great fortune they were blessed with to have Rena as their mother. Her sacrifices for them were daily and innumerable.

Rena spent most of her life as a resident of Austin and graduated from the University of Texas and was an ardent supporter of UT—especially the baseball program where she was a season ticket holder for many years.

She was a member of the Fairview Church of Christ and she LOVED this church and the folks who made it alive. She once said that she never felt she belonged to a church until she went to Fairview. Her great friend, Minister George McCall, will be speaking for her on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 2 pm at the Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Chapel. A catered reception will precede the service beginning at 1 pm. Should you wish to attend, UT burnt orange attire is certainly appropriate.

For most of her working life, she was employed by the Social Security Administration. While this was enjoyable to her, it was truly the means to her end of enabling her to support and enjoy her family in their endeavors.

The last of Rena’s passions to note here was for her Boxers. From 1971 to this day she had as friends and companions a series of the most wonderful dogs a person could wish for. Sam the toughest. Sam Henry the prettiest. Jack was the bravest. Henry the sweetest. Henry 2 is still a work in progress but shows great promise.

Her life was rich, varied, and interesting and her wise counsel and conversation are already missed. She was also humble and not a seeker of attention and would be unhappy that her obituary is this long. Which made us smile as we wrote it.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com for the Dye family.