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 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, Ohio where she will be greatly missed.

Survivors include:

Her daughters: Barbara Nichols (husband Chris) – Coushatta, LA

Sharon Watkins-Crockett (husband Kraig) – Celina, Ohio

3 grandchildren: Paige Shivers (husband Chuck) – Celina, Ohio

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.

Step-Children: Rodney Bye (wife Kim) – Portland, Indiana

Kim Williams (husband Dan) – Celina, Ohio

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

Arlene Moore – Coldwater, Ohio

Sisters-in-law: Cheryl Reynolds – Decatur, Indiana

Maxine Reynolds – Greenville, Ohio

Patricia Van Trees – Ft. Recovery, Ohio

Brother-in-law: Calvin Huss – Bluffton, Indiana

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.