Barbara Diane (Payne) Dowdy

Barbara Diane (Payne) Dowdy, 75, of Bellefontaine, passed away early Saturday morning, October 24, 2026, at Lima Memorial Health System.

Barbara was born in Bellefontaine on November 6, 1951, to the late Edward R. and Dianna M. (Garman) Dowdy. She was also preceded in death by 2 sisters, Irene Tudor and Pam Jackson; a brother Rudy Dowdy; a son Joe A. Payne; former husband John Payne; and a granddaughter Mindy Payne.

Barbara is survived by her children: Carrie (William) Dolan of Bellefontaine, Maggie (Jerry) Birt of Bellefontaine, and John A. Payne II of Bellefontaine; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters: Sandra Williams of Elkhart, Indiana, Becky Smith of Belle Center, and Beth Dowdy of Belle Center; many nieces and nephews; and many others who considered Barbara a mom.

Barbara was a member of Bellefontaine Christ Temple, and Bellefontaine LDS. She loved to sew, crochet, and knit. Barbara also enjoyed ceramics and quilting. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Barbara’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 5-7pm at Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, where Bishop Lane Coleman will officiate her funeral on Thursday, October 29, at 11am. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Cemetery, West Liberty. Casual attire is requested by the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society) or American Kidney Fund (give.kidneyfund.org).

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Dowdy family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com

EJT