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.
Randall A. “Randy” Smith Randall A. “Randy” Smith, age 65, of West Alexandria, OH passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at his residence. He was born October 22, 1960 in Dayton, OH to the late Bobby Smith and Irene Gamble Smith. Randy was a third-generation water well driller. He loved working on and driving big block cars; riding […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)
Carlos Leroy Leach Jr. Carlos Leroy Leach Jr, age 77, of Mason, OH passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the UC Health Hospital in West Chester, OH. He was born November 8, 1948 in Providence, RI to the late Carlos Leroy Sr and Dorothy (Glynn) Leach. He was a 1967 graduate of Bethel High School in Tipp […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)
Mark D. Reynolds Mark Duane Reynolds, age 61, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana. He was born on June 21. 1964, in Union City, Indiana, to Dianna K. (Davis) Reynolds of Fort Recovery and the late Elmer H. Reynolds. In addition to his father, Mark was preceded […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)
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Bonnie Elizabeth Cary Bonnie Elizabeth Cary, 84, of New Castle, passed away at home on the evening of Monday, February 2, 2026. Arrangements are pending at Sproles Family Funeral Home. — (Posted February 3, 2026)
Rhonda C. Brown Pending View full obituary — (Posted February 3, 2026)
M.Maxine George M. Maxine George, age 98, passed away peacefully at Bethany Pointe Health Campus in Anderson, Indiana following a brief illness. She was welcomed into heaven by her Savior Jesus Christ on February 1, 2026. Maxine is now at rest in the arms of Jesus where her life continues for eternity. She was a resident of […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)
Joseph “Joe” Robert Wilkinson Joseph “Joe” Robert Wilkinson, 49, of New Castle passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at Henry Community Health. He was born January 6, 1977 in New Castle to William “Bob” Wilkinson and Donna Sue (Deck) Scarce. Joe attended Tri High School and was truly a jack of all trades, with a knack for tinkering and […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)
Linda J. Blough Linda J. Blough, age 78, of Eaton, OH passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Vancrest of Eaton Healthcare Center. She was born December 30, 1947 in New Madison, OH to the late Roland and Helen (Swihart) Pease. Linda was a 1966 graduate of Westmont High School in Hollansburg, OH and earned her LPN […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)
Vincent A. Salerno Vincent A. Salerno, 20, of New Castle, died January 30, 2026.Born December 29, 2005, in Sarasota, Florida, to Michael Rocco Salerno and Katrina Long, Vincent was a 2025 graduate of New Castle High School and was employed at Culver’s Restaurant.In addition to his parents, Vincent… — (Posted February 3, 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, compassiona… — (Posted February 3, 2026)
Virginia L. Ballinger Virginia L Ballinger, 90, of Liberty passed away February 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.She was born on September 7, 1935, in Richmond to View full obituary — (Posted February 3, 2026)
Shirley Dixon Shirley Dixon, 80 of Connersville passed away on Friday, January 30, 2025. She was born on April 3, 1945. She was married to Bob Dixon, View full obituary — (Posted February 3, 2026)
Bill Eugene Lutterman Bill was many things—a Vietnam veteran, a devoted family man, and a faithful Christian. To our family, he was a steady, loving presence whose quiet strength shaped all of us. Bill endured more hardship than most, yet he never let it define him. As a young man, he lost his leg in a tragic accident. […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)
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)
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)