Bill Blythe

Billy Shelton Blythe, 86, of Monrovia, lovingly known as “Bill,” passed away peacefully in his sleep at 2:04pm, on Friday, December 27, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and quiet wisdom. He was born on May 29, 1938, and raised on Kettle Creek in Cumberland County Kentucky, to the late Shelton Wade and Ollie (Crawford) Blythe. One of two sons; Bill also had 3 sisters, one older and two younger. Bill grew up always outdoors hunting and fishing; immersed in the rhythms of farm life. Falling in love with a local gal, he married Bobbye “Ann” (Finley) on September 16, 1961, in Tompkinsville, Kentucky. They moved to Indianapolis where Bill worked at Bridgeport Brass, later known as Olin Brass. In the late 1960’s, he and Ann purchased a farm in Monrovia and built a homestead to be proud of. There, they raised soybeans, corn, and Polled Hereford cattle, along with their 4 children, combining his deep love for farming and a selfless dedication to family. Bill always put out a big garden, which the whole family was involved with, the planting, harvesting, and canning would be enough to not only eat fresh food straight from the garden, but also make it through the year. He also made the BEST zucchini bread and chocolate fudge. For those who were able to share any of that, you know what we mean! Bill continued to work at Olin Brass for over 30 years until his retirement all the while he continued to farm. His strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family bled into his children and grandchildren. A devoted husband, he lovingly cared for his first wife, Ann, through her illness until her passing in 1992. Years later, he found love again making new memories with who the grandkids came to know as “Mamaw Judy”. Bill was a man of few words, and was known for the “pause” before he began to speak, and the wisdom and meaning behind them stayed with those fortunate enough to hear him talk. In his later years, Bill’s love for music & singing blossomed. He delighted those around him with impromptu concerts, often breaking into song and filling the room with warmth and cheer. A simple man at heart, Bill cherished his blue jeans, flannel shirts, and his Trophy chewing tobacco. Bill’s life was a testament to quiet strength, resilience, and love for family. He leaves behind a legacy of labor that will forever be cherished by all who knew him. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children and loving wife, Bobbye “Ann” (Finley) Blythe; daughter, Jennifer Ann Blythe; sister and brother-in-law, Norma and John Stump; and second spouse, Judith Anne Blythe. Survivors include his three sons, William Gregory “Wild Bill” Blythe of Monrovia, Michael “Brian” Blythe (wife, Lisa) of Greenwood, Gary Steven ”Steve” Blythe (wife, Lorie) of Monrovia; sisters, Pearl Foster (husband, Carl) of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Betty Decker of Kansas City, Kansas; brother, Wheeler Blythe (wife, Brenda) of Benton, Kentucky; grandchildren, Jacob Blythe (wife, Kirsten) of Camby, Madison Chitty (husband, Parker) of Greenwood, Rachel Blythe of Monrovia, Lindsay Patterson (husband, Dustin) of Greenwood, Kayla Spadafora (husband, Dom) of Greenwood; five great-grandchildren, Rilee, Kynlee and Hadlee Patterson, Zayden and Sylas Spadafora; step-children, Rosemarie Tinsley of Martinsville and David Collier (wife, Tara ) of Nashville. Friends and family are invited to Celebrate Bill’s life on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Visitation will be held from 1:00pm, until the celebration of life service begins promptly at 3:00pm. A graveside service will be held across the street in West Union Friends Cemetery and burial will conclude the services. The family invites you to honor Bill’s memory by sharing a favorite story or memory and keep his spirit alive in the hearts of those he touched. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to Monrovia FFA. Envelopes will be available during services. To share an online condolence with the family, sign the guest registry, and view his virtual tribute please visit www.lightmemorial.com

Tributes

Bill Blythe

May 29, 1938 - December 27, 2024