Dorothy Craft

Dorothy Craft
June 11, 1936 - October 28, 2026
Portsmouth, Ohio Resident
F. C. Daehler Mortuary Co.

Dorothy Craft, a longtime Portsmouth resident, passed away on October 28, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on June 11, 1936, to Edward and Ellen "Nellie" (Commins) Harmes, in Shotton, Flintshire, England.

Growing up she worked in a sweet shop selling candies. Memories of she and her sister eating soo many sweets they got sick, and because of the time, she'd squirrel some away for later. The war was on and when the bomber planes came over they used to hide in a cupboard under the stairs.

In her early years she met a handsome, Airforce soldier, whom later became her husband of fify five years. They spent twenty-two years traveling the world and raised a lovely family of six children. Finally making Portsmouth, Ohio their longtime home. A woman of strong Catholic faith, Dorothy was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Even in her later years such a devoted woman as she was was remembered with a rosary and a worn Bible.

She especially enjoyed spending time with her family. Affectionately known by many names, including Mom, Momma, Grams, and Granny, she dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her much happiness.

She had a love for traveling, yard sales and collecting just about everything, singing, especially doing karaoke. She especially enjoyed seafood, crab legs and fish and chips were among her favorites. She had a fondness for butterflies, hummingbirds, and lavender, both the color and the flower. She also loved making and wearing tie-dyes and was known for her familiar saying, "Let's play it by ear!"

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Ellen "Nellie" Harmes; her beloved husband of 55 years, Arthur E. Craft, a 22-year United States Air Force veteran who passed away in 2002; her brother, Geoff Harmes; and her sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Harold Cordwell, all of England.

She is survived by her six loving children, sons, Michael Craft of Waverly, David (Rosina) Craft of Lucasville, and John (Debbie) Craft of Wheelersburg; her daughters, Patricia Craft of Rarden, Carol (Mikey Miller) Rainier of Rarden, and Teresa Weinbrecht of Portsmouth; as well as 12 grandchildren; Chris, Toni, Ryan, Melaney, Caroline, Kara, Kayla (Gary), Shane (Kelsey), Jerrod, Max (Kamryn), Megan (Nathan) and Macie (Tyler). As well as many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and special niece Bernadette Cordwell of Chester, UK, all of whom will miss her dearly.

Family and friends are asked to join her family on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, to celebrate her life and share memories, all at F. C. Daehler Mortuary Co., 915 Ninth Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Please visit fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of Dorothy or condolences to her family.