Saturday, December 27th, 2025
Dorothy Bye
Dorothy Bye, 82, a resident of Celina, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, December 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 Ft. 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 and whom she spent her happiest days with.
Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her family and didn't know a stranger. She became a born-again Christian in the early 80's 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 country 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, Ohio where she will be greatly missed.
Survivors include her daughters: Barbara Nichols (husband Chris) - Coushatta, LA, and Sharon Watkins-Crockett (husband Kraig) - Celina, Ohio; 3 grandchildren: Paige Shivers (husband Chuck) - Celina, Ohio, Nathan Watkins (wife Christine) - Willshire, Ohio, and Kraig Crockett (wife Haley) - West Liberty, Kentucky; great-grandchildren: Korbin, Jayce, Eryiann, Emmitt, Krue, Oletta and Baby Easton who will arrive any day; step-Children: Rodney Bye (wife Kim) - Portland, Indiana, Kim Williams (husband Dan) - Celina, Ohio, and Stacy Newton - Portland, Indiana; step Daughter-in-law: Patty Bye - Portland, Indiana; 13 step grandchildren, 22 step-great grandchildren and 4 step-great-great grandchildren; bonus son: Agustin Perales; 1 brother: Woody Reynolds (Della Link) - Ft. Recovery, Ohio; 2 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 - Ft. Recovery, Ohio; brother-in-law: Calvin Huss - Bluffton, Indiana; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she is 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; step-son, Pastor Terry Bye and brother-in-law, Everett Moore.
Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7 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 S., Portland, Indiana. Pastor Chuck Myers will officiate and burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery, west of Bryant.
Memorials may be directed towards Sunlight Broadcast Network.