Nancy Lee Dye Racette

Nancy Dye Racette passed away April 24, 2015 at home with family. She was born the oldest of eight on April 28, 1936 in Wichita, Kansas to Abe and Ada Dye who preceded her in death. She is survived by her siblings Frances (Frank) Chowhan, Cathryn Dye, Abe (Ingrid) Dye, Joe (Marjorie) Dye, Nellie Gorges, Rachel Cramer, and Tom (Betsy) Dye and former husband and friend Richard Racette. Her offspring include her children David Racette, Dyeanne (Brian Smale) Racette, Beth Racette, Paul Racette, her grandchildren Stephanie (Jeff) Rettew, Renee, Matt, Robby, Zoe and Kelsey Racette and her two great-grandchildren, McKenna and Brennan Rettew. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends, all whose lives she touched in her caring and loving way. She was recently predeceased by her beloved goddaughter and niece Catherine Maureen Maurice. Nancy returned to college in 1987 to pursue a nursing degree and graduated valedictorian of her class. She practiced nursing at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital and then at Primary Care Associates until her retirement. She lived her commitment to faith through service to the Catholic Church. She was proud of being St. Jude Catholic Church’s first Altar Society President, a leader in the Catholic Youth Organization, a teacher of catechism to public school students, and active in St. Jude Prayer line. Nancy shared her love for reading as a girl scout leader and Great Books discussion leader for young people. Until her death, she tutored in the Foster Grandparent Program at Earhart Elementary helping students learn to read. For those who wish to honor her memory, donations may be made to St. Jude Catholic School Library or Earhart Elementary Library. Rosary service will be held at St. Jude on Monday, April 27 at 6:30pm. A mass will be held at 10:30am on April 28, the day of her 79th birthday.