Dorothy Bye

Dorothy Bye, 82, a resident of Celina, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2025, at her home. She was a former Portland, Indiana, resident. 

Dorothy was born July 24, 1943, in Jackson, Kentucky, the daughter of Lewis and Mary (Gross) Reynolds. 

Dorothy, also fondly known as Dot or Grandma Dot, graduated from Fort Recovery High School in 1961. She worked many years at Hartwig Poultry before retiring from CTS in Berne. Dorothy married Merritt Bye on June 9, 2019, with whom she spent her happiest days. 

Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her family and didn’t know a stranger. She became a born-again Christian in the early 1980s and shared her faith with everyone she met. Her ability to love everyone came easy as she touched so many lives. 

Dorothy was also very patriotic. She loved our county and would recite the Pledge of Allegiance anywhere she’d see a flag. She enjoyed crocheting blankets for many friends and family. She enjoyed playing UNO with grandchildren. 

Dorothy also was dedicated to donating Bibles to organizations so the Gospel could be shared to some who may never get a chance to own a Bible. She was also a regular donor to veteran organizations. 

Dorothy was a member of New Covenant Fellowship Church in Portland as well as Abounding Grace Ministries in Celina, where she will be greatly missed. 

Survivors include:

Her daughters — Barbara Nichols (husband: Chris), Coushatta, Louisiana, and Sharon Watkins-Crockett (husband: Kraig), Celina

Three grandchildren — Paige Shivers (husband: Chuck), Celina, Nathan Watkins (wife: Christine), Willshire, Ohio, Kraig Crockett (wife: Haley), West Liberty, Kentucky 

Great-grandchildren — Korbin, Jayce, Eryiann, Emmitt, Krue, Oletta and baby Easton, who will arrive any day

Stepchildren — Rodney Bye (wife: Kim), Portland, Kim Williams (husband: Dan), Celina, and Stacy Newton, Portland

Step-daughter-in-law — Patty Bye, Portland

Great-grandchildren, 22 step-great-grandchildren and four step-great-great grandchildren

Bonus son — Agustin Perales

One brother — Woody Reynolds (Della Link), Fort Recovery

Two sisters — Mary Burry (husband: Paul), Berne, Indiana, and Arlene Moore, Coldwater, Ohio

Sisters-in-law — Cheryl Reynolds, Decatur, Indiana, Maxine Reynolds, Greenville, Ohio, and Patricia Van Trees, Fort Recovery

Brother-in-law — Calvin Huss, Bluffton, Indiana

Numerous nieces and nephews

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, Merritt Bye; sisters, Lorene Huss and Judy Reynolds; brothers Nolan Reynolds, John Reynolds and Jesse Reynolds; nephew Jeff Reynolds; stepson Pastor Terry Bye; and brother-in-law Everett Moore.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland.

Services to celebrate Dorothy’s life will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at New Covenant Fellowship Church, 1238 W. 450 South, Portland. Pastor Chuck Myers will officiate and burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery, west of Bryant.

Memorials may be directed to Sunlight Broadcast Network.