Peach Dye

Peach Freestone Dye, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 91. She was born on November 8, 1933, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to Elaine and Arthur Freestone. In December 1943, Peach, along with her parents, immigrated to Los Angeles, California, where she would grow to become a remarkable woman known for her intelligence, grace, and devotion to family.

A gifted student, Peach attended Westlake School for Girls, where she excelled academically, skipping two grades and graduating at the young age of 16 in 1949. During her time at Westlake, she rubbed shoulders with future stars like Shirley Temple and Elizabeth Montgomery, and it was here she met her longtime friend Ardith Humberstone, daughter of movie director Bruce Humberstone. Following high school, she attended the University of Southern California, and in her free time, modeled for Robinson's Department Store and other brands, while spending summers in Lake Tahoe at the lodge her father managed.

In 1953, Peach’s life would change when she met Averd Dye through his brother. The couple married on January 10, 1954, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the Boston Avenue Church Chapel. This union brought Peach not only a loving husband but also a daughter, Linda Dye Nelson. Over the next few years, their family grew with the births of Allan in 1955 and Alaine in 1961. Peach and Averd would go on to run the Chelsea Hotel, making it their home for several years.

Peach was always a woman of action and had a diverse career, balancing raising a young family with various jobs. From waiting tables at the Glass House in Vinita, to serving as a Head Start teacher in Foyil, she dedicated herself to her community. She also worked as a fashion coordinator for Vandevers Department Store in Tulsa and organized numerous fashion shows in northeastern Oklahoma. One of her proudest moments was becoming a U.S. citizen in 1964, a milestone she celebrated with great pride.

In 1967, Averd's work with Shell Oil Company took the family to Keyes, Oklahoma. After his retirement in 1971, the family returned to Chelsea, where Peach began a long and impactful career at the Bank of Commerce in Chelsea, working there from 1977 until the spring of 2020.

Peach’s love for her family and community knew no bounds. She was an active member of the Delphian Review Club in Chelsea for over 50 years and was deeply involved in both the church and local affairs, serving as Clerk and Treasurer at the First Presbyterian Church of Chelsea. She also supported Averd in his role as County Commissioner and worked tirelessly on political campaigns, including with the Clementines for Clem McSpadden’s congressional and gubernatorial runs.

Above all, Peach’s greatest pride and joy was her children. She was a devoted and supportive mother, attending countless activities, and even taking on the role of Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. She also treasured the opportunity to travel, often visiting her extended family in Canada, California, and England.

Peach is survived by her three children: Linda Nelson, Allan Dye and his wife Sandy, and Alaine Dye, along with her grandchildren: Wendy Nelson, Amanda Nelson, Brandi Cook, Patsy Evans, Ashley Bullock, Allyson Stout, and Eric Smith as well as numerous great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, Elaine and Arthur Freestone, her beloved husband Averd, and other close family members.

A woman of boundless energy, love, and spirit, Peach will be remembered for her deep devotion to her family, her community, and her tireless efforts to make the world a better place. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and a life well-lived.

In her passing, she is mourned by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and the countless lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the

 First Presbyterian Church of Chelsea

c/o Janis Wooley

11050 S. 4240

Chelsea, OK 74016