Carol Blye

Carol A. Blye, 93, of Washington, IL, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Eureka, IL.

She was born on December 22, 1931, in Eureka, IL, the daughter of Herbert and Margaret Kuecks Keil. She married Charles M. Blye in Washington, IL, on June 1, 1952. He passed away on June 9, 2019. One sister, Norma Jean Davis, and two brothers, Kenneth and Warren Keil, also preceded her in death.

Surviving are one son, Steve (Barbara) Blye of Arlington Heights, IL, and three daughters: Sharon (Ted) Pittenger of Washington, IL, Laurie (Fred) Martin of Bloomington, IL, and Lisa (Roger) Moore of Rochester, IL. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Carol's life began and ended in Eureka, Illinois, but her journey spanned far beyond! Raised on a dairy farm in Washington, Illinois, alongside her sister and two brothers, Carol helped them with daily chores, walked a mile to school, and was active in church and Grange. In high school, she served on student council, became an exceptional typist and a cheerleader.

Carol met Charlie, at a school band festival, and they married in 1952 after his Marine Corps service. Carol worked as a secretary for esteemed physicists at the University of Illinois while Charlie studied architecture. After graduation in 1956, their first child, Steve, was born, and Charlie joined Phillips Swager Associates architects. Three beautiful daughters-Shari, Laurie, and Lisa-joined the family. In 1963 , Charlie designed and built their dream home where they lived for over 60 years.

Carol dedicated her life to supporting their kids' many activities, Charlie's work and social commitments, managing and developing the family farm, and hosting many parties at the summer cabin. She also volunteered many hours with Grange, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, AFS Club, and East Peoria Women's Club. As the family grew, Carol embraced her role as a devoted grandmother, enjoying holidays, family vacations, and traveling the world with friends.

After Charlie's retirement, Carol's steadfast support shone as she cared for him during his cancer battle. After entering assisted living in 2019, she remained loving and cheerful, despite Charlie's death that year and her struggles with dementia.

Over the years, Carol has been described by her friends and family with the following words: selfless, content, compassionate, serving, loving, hospitable, thrifty, patient, humble, faithful, forgiving, consistent, organized, forward thinking, and wise. In addition, she will always be remembered as the best mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother ever!

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 am on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington. Pastor Dick Hanson and her grandson Pastor Erik Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 am until 10:45 am also at the church. Burial with immediate family will follow her service at Hollands Grove Cemetery in rural Washington. Mason-White Funeral Home has been entrusted with services. To share a memory or condolence with her family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Apostolic Christian Home-Eureka.

Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka
610 West Cruger Avenue, Eureka IL 61530