Arabell Ann Dyson

Arabell Dyson was born in 1922 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Thomas and Elinor Miller. The Millers, from Illinois, were Canadian homesteaders, trying to eke out a living on the land. Arabell was the identical twin of Mildred and one of six children. When the twins were four-years-old, the family moved back to Illinois. The twins had influenza during the trip and survived. This was the stuff that Arabell was made of, strong and enduring. She died at the age of 101 on July 11, 2023. Her twin Mildred survives.

After a brief stint in nursing school, Arabell met and married Louis Francis Dyson. Louis farmed his parents’ land, some of which was awarded as “40 acres and a mule”. Arabell and Louis had three children, Leland, Edward, and Ann.

Arabell was a devoted Christian and played the organ in her church. She had a great love of music and also played piano. She worked on the farm with Louis, taking on all aspects of being a farm-wife. She was hard working and devoted to her family. Arabell loved to sew and made quilts for friends and family. Many of her quilts remain with family as a loving reminder of her.

Arabell is survived by her children; Leland (Christine), Edward (Eve) and Ann Stone. She was the dear grandmother of; Loran (Ren), Gary (Anna), Greg (Alison), Levi, Misha Stone (deceased) and Andrey Stone. Great grandmother of; Aiden, Kai, Arabelle, Janade Fischer, Kiana Fischer and Tuesday Fischer. She had 3 great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to express our great appreciation and love to LaTonya Thedford who helped us take care of Arabell for the past several years with kindness and devotion. We would also like to express deep gratitude to BJC Hospice. Although their services were used for only twelve days, they helped make her last week and a half on this earth immeasurably more peaceful. We could not have done that without them.

Arabell will be buried at Virden Cemetery next to Louis on Monday July 17th at noon. There will be a graveside service officiated by family member Reverend Kenneth Dees.