Obituaries and Death Notices

Information about current and former Wayne County, Indiana residents and community members who have died. These obituaries are gathered from area funeral homes and other sources. You can also learn about how to place a paid obituary in the Western Wayne News.

Michael “Mike” J. Sokirka Michael “Mike” J. Sokirka, 72, of New Castle, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 1, 2026. He was born on December 20, 1953, in Lock Haven, PA, to the late John and Mildred (David) Sokirka. Mike’s journey led him to various paths of hard work. Starting his career at Firestone Tire Factory […] — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Doris Ann Barker Doris Ann Barker, age 91, of Eaton, OH, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026. She was born April 29, 1934 in Jamaica Queens, NY to the late Edward and Harriet (Schelenz) Pughe. Doris was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eaton; and enjoyed sewing, genealogy and quilting. In addition to her parents, […] — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Paul F. Vertesch Paul F. Vertesch, age 88, of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, January 31, 2026, at The Springs of Richmond. Born August 23, 1937, in South Bend, Indiana, to Joesph and Rose Horvath Vertesch, Paul lived in this community most of his life. He was a graduate of South Bend Riley High School and received his undergraduate […] — (Posted February 2, 2026)

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Vincent A. Salerno Vincent A. Salerno, age 20, of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, January 30, 2026, leaving behind a family and community heartbroken by a life taken far too soon. He was born on December 29, 2005, in Sarasota, Florida, to Michael Rocco Salerno and Katrina L… — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Charles R. Tuttle Charles R. Tuttle, age 77, formerly of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH. Born October 4, 1948, in Richmond, Indiana, to Charles Brown Tuttle and Edna Hunt Tuttle, Charles lived in this community most of his life. He proudly served his country in the U. S. […] — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Russell Steven Catt Obituary and Arrangements Pending View full obituary — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Robert D. Crouch Robert D. Crouch passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The family is being cared for by Riggle Waltermann Mortuary. — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Linda A. Hylton Linda A. Hylton, 76, of Connersville, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026. One of six children of Ernest Ring and Eleanor Schafer Ring Oda, Linda was born on September 12, 1949, in Muncie, Indiana. A woman of deep faith and a heart for service, Linda was a dedicated member of Growing Branches for Christ. She […] — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Patricia Ann Williams RICHMOND, Ind. – Patricia Ann Williams crossed over on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the age of 86. One of the things she always cherished was that she was able to grow up and live in the same area as her family, which included her paternal grandparents, Nina and Tom Rigsby, her great grandparents, Alice […] — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Wendall Ray Pruett Obituary Pending There are no public services. Community Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Send online condolences to the family via the guestbook View full obituary — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Paula Louise Bray Paula Louise Bray, age 60, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her daughter, Chelcy, on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. Paula was born on June 8, 1965, in New Castle, Indiana, to the late Paul Bray and Lola Bray (Herndon). Paula had a gentle, compass… — (Posted February 1, 2026)

Gary D. Russell Gary D. Russell age 82 of Eaton, Ohio passed on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Hospice of Dayton. Born on December 10, 1943, in Butler County, Ohio he was the son of the late Arthur W. & Elinor J. (McWhirter) Russell. Gary was a 1961 graduate of Talawanda High School in Oxford, Ohio and served […] — (Posted February 1, 2026)

Jeryl “Jerry” Whelchel Jeryl “Jerry” Whelchel, 80, of Shirley, went to sleep and woke in the loving arms of the Lord on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Waters of New Castle, following a brief illness. Jerry was born on October 28, 1945, in Anderson, Indiana, a son of the late Maurice Whelchel and… — (Posted February 1, 2026)

Betty Foster CAMBRIDGE CITY- Betty June Foster, 83, passed away early Friday morning January 30, 2026 at Morristown Manor in Morristown, Indiana. Betty was born in Cambridge City, Indiana on September 29, 1942 to the late Leslie Aaron and Charlotte E. (Coleman) Foster. Betty graduated from Rushville High School and Nursing School. She worked as a Licensed […] — (Posted January 31, 2026)

Robert D Crouch Robert D Crouch passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The family is being cared for by Riggle Waltermann Mortuary. — (Posted January 30, 2026)

Shirley K. Hinshaw Shirley K. Hinshaw, 91, of New Castle went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at The Addison Place Assisted Living. She was born on January 2, 1935 in New Castle to the late Richard B. and Florene (Rynearson) Maddy. Shirley was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church and […] — (Posted January 30, 2026)

Beverly Kay Ketcham Beverly Kay Ketcham, 53, of Connersville, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2026, in Reid Health of Connersville. She was born on February 11, 1972, in Richmond, Indiana, the daughter of Marion and Wilma Miller Ketcham. She was employed at J.J. Packaging for several years. Beverly was a member of the Connersville Church of Christ. […] — (Posted January 30, 2026)

Herbert Ervin Harris III Herbert Ervin Harris III, lovingly known as “Herbie,” passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 52. He was born on March 12, View full obituary — (Posted January 30, 2026)

Betty J. Thurston Betty Jean Thurston, 96, of New Castle, passed away peacefully at her home on January 27, 2026. She was born in Albany, KY, on November 22, 1929, to the late Lowell and Mary Etta (York) Beck. Along with her five siblings, Betty was born and raised on a farm in Albany, Kentucky. Her upbringing instilled […] — (Posted January 29, 2026)

Helen Marie Cox Helen Marie Cox, age 82, of Brookville, OH, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the Village Green Nursing Home in Greenville, OH. She was born March 4, 1943 in Ft. Benning, GA to the late Oscar and Ora Fillers. She married Phil Cox on July 26, 1953 and was married until Phil’s passing […] — (Posted January 29, 2026)

Doris Kay Hensley NEW PARIS, OH. – Doris Kay Hensley, age 72, of Fairborn, Ohio, formerly of New Paris, Ohio, died Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Doris was born November 13, 1953, in Hamilton, Ohio, to the late Virgil Oscar and Doris Winifred Flitcraft Sayers. She received an associate’s degree and worked […] — (Posted January 29, 2026)

Mildred Ford Mildred Lorene Ford, 91 went to be with her Lord and Savior Jan 28, 2026, at her home with her niece by her side. She was born in McLean County, Ky to Ernest and Mary Ford on Mar 16,1934. Her family moved to Cambridge City when she was 7 years old. She worked at […] — (Posted January 29, 2026)

Kathy Alfred Katherine “Kathy” Elizabeth Alfred, 82, of Laurel, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Reid Health – Connersville. Kathy was born April 4, 1953, in Lewisburg, Ohio, the daughter of John and Thelma Lunsford Craig. On September 18, 1976, she married Paul E. Alfred. Mr. Alfred passed away August 1, 2012. For over 16 years, […] — (Posted January 29, 2026)

Linda L. Jones Linda L. Jones, 89, of Greenfield, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at The Waters of New Castle following a brief illness. She was born September 3, 1936, in Bedford, IN, a daughter of the late Louis Henry and Edith May (Tolliver) Lantz. Linda retired from Link-Belt in Indianapolis following many years of service. After […] — (Posted January 29, 2026)

Frederick L Morgan Frederick L. “Fred” Morgan of Connersville, Indiana, formerly of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana, on January 16, 2026, at the View full obituary — (Posted January 29, 2026)

Kevin David Riggs Kevin David Riggs,61, of New Castle, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at his residence following an extended illness. Kevin was born on March 18, 1964, in Frankfurt, Germany, a son of Charles and Gisela (Licht) Riggs. He was a 1982 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School. Kevin was employed by the Indiana […] — (Posted January 28, 2026)

Bruce Edward Cunningham Bruce Edward Cunningham, age 71, of West Alexandria, OH passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 07, 1954 in Dayton, OH to the late Merle and Lula (Berry) Cunningham. He was a 1973 graduate of Twin Valley South High School. Bruce retired from […] — (Posted January 28, 2026)

Tammy Lynn Dock Tammy Lynn Dock, 54, of New Castle passed away peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Hickory Creek of New Castle. She was born January 15, 1972 in Chicago, Illinois to Lenore (Hilton) Dock. Tammy was a proud PTO mother and always supported everything her children were involved with. She worked at Shaw […] — (Posted January 28, 2026)

Sandra (Sandy) Sue Rodecap Sandra Sue “Sandy” Rodecap, 75, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Stonebrook Rehabilitation in New Castle. She was born August 23, 1950 in New Castle to Arlie and Betty (Castle) Webb. Sandy retired from Keihn Corporation in Greenfield and formerly was employed at Press Glass Corporation in Greenfield. She had many hobbies including fishing, […] — (Posted January 28, 2026)

Virginia Lee Logan Virginia Lee Logan, 74, of Upland and formerly of New Castle passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at University Nursing Center in Upland, Indiana. She was born February 2, 1951 in New Castle to the late Perry L. and Mary E. (Cooney) Blake. She spent over 30 years working for Mr. Steve’s and Myers Rent […] — (Posted January 28, 2026)