Robert Dale Blay, the son of William and Ethel (Johnson) Blay was born March 29, 1937 at Atlantic, Iowa. He passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at the Clarinda Regional Medical Center, Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 83 years, 10 months and 8 days.

Robert was raised in Red Oak. On January 20, 1959, Robert entered the U. S. Army and served his country until January 10, 1961, when he was honorably discharged. He married Mary Smith. Robert was united in marriage to Judith Elwood on March 18, 1972, in Omaha, Nebraska. They soon made their home in Elliott, Iowa, where they raised their two children. In 1995, Robert and Judy moved to their home south of Villisca. In 1966, Robert began a 30-year career with Union Carbide and Eveready Battery Company. When he retired in 1996, Robert went to work for ROMECH and Steve Akers Painting. In 2005, Robert began working for the Red Oak Community School District and after 11 years, retired in 2016. Robert liked working and staying busy. He had a deep fondness for his horses, enjoyed old western movies, old cars, his rolling pigeons and spending time outdoors mowing. Robert was a member of the Elliott Church of Christ and the American Quarter Horse Association.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers: Billy (Marie) Blay, Raymond Blay, Frank Blay and Larry Blay; 2 sisters: Esther (Leo) Russ and Marie (Royal) Fox; brothers-in-law: Dale Elwood, Cliff Houtchens, William Elwood, Ira "Ike" Elwood, Joseph (Dorothy) Elwood, Warren (Virginia) Elwood and Robert Elwood.

Robert is survived by his wife, Judy Blay of rural Villisca, IA; son, Bill (Jill) Blay of Burlington Junction, MO; daughter, Brenda Blay and companion Mark Scanlan of Braddyville, IA; 4 grandchildren: Tyler Blay, Riley Blay, Colton Blay and Kelsi Vannausdle; great-grandchild, Brysen Lawrence; sisters: Jane Elwood and Ruby Houtchens; sisters-in-law: Donna Blay, Carolyn Blay, Dolores Blay, Mary Kille, Jean Pope, Linda (Vern) Gute and Sandy Elwood; and brothers-in-law: Gordon (Mary) Elwood and Ed (Vicki) Elwood; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held Monday, March 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

At Hillside Cemetery, Elliott, Iowa

A memorial to the Hillside Cemetery Fence Project % Pat Lewis P.O. Box 175 Elliott, IA 51532.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.