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.

Kurt Noyan Bergman Kurt Noyan Bergman, 72, of Connersville, went home to be with the Lord Monday morning, November 17, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. One of four children of Orville and Roberta Burton Bergman, Kurt was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 11, 1953, and was a 1972 graduate of Decatur Central High […] — (Posted November 18, 2025)

Phyllis “Gayle” Ratliff Phyllis “Gayle” Ratliff, 86, of New Castle passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Asencion St. Vincent in Indianapolis. She was born March 5, 1939 in New Castle to the late Henry Clay and Blanche (Marlatt) Bavender. Gayle retired from New Castle Community School Corporation after 30 years of service. She was treasurer and assistant […] — (Posted November 18, 2025)

Melody A. Lee Melody Lee, 64, of New Castle passed away Monday, November 17, 2025 at The Waters of New Castle. She was born February 22, 1961 in New Castle to the late Ronald and Brenda Beach. She is survived by her husband, Jeff; a son, Dustin Troxell; stepchildren, Angie Lee, Nikki, Shannon Lee, Michelle Lee and Mary; […] — (Posted November 18, 2025)

Sarah Katherine Johnson May Sarah Katherine May, 89, of Richmond, died Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Reid Health. She was born on October 8, 1936, in Henry County to View full obituary — (Posted November 18, 2025)

Suzanne Marie Kordyl Suzanne Marie Kordyl, 64, of Chesterfield, passed away on November 15, 2025, in her sleep at St. Vincent Hospital in Anderson. She was born February 4, 1961, in Emira, NY, to John and Evelyn Kordyl Sr. Suzanne enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and other family and friends. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, arts and crafts, […] — (Posted November 18, 2025)

Douglas Duane Kuhn Douglas Duane Kuhn, 63, of Richmond, passed away on the evening of Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Reid Hospital. Born on July 30, 1962, in New Castle, Indiana, Doug was the son of the late Franklin Jay and Lillian Jane (York) Kuhn. He grew up in Hagerstown and graduated from Hag… — (Posted November 18, 2025)

Reta Sharlene Mattix Reta Sharlene Mattix passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The family is being cared for by Riggle Waltermann Mortuary. — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Earl Lloyd Wilkinson Earl Lloyd Wilkinson, 87, of New Castle passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025 at his home. He was born September 21, 1938 in New Castle to Maurice and Reba (Western) Wilkinson. Earl was a 1957 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School where he played in the band. A veteran of the United States Army, […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Charles Milton Brewster Charles Milton Brewster, 91, of Falmouth, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Majestic Care of Connersville. One of ten children of the late Charley and Mamie Slaven Brewster. Charles was born April 30, 1934, in Monticello, Kentucky and moved to the area with his family. For over 42 years, Charles was […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Helen Ann Gray Helen Ann Gray, 83, of New Castle passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Stonebrooke Rehabilitation Center. She was born June 22, 1942 in Crawford County, Indiana to the late Lewis and Alma (Patton) Lenz. Feisty, sassy, loving and funny are just some of the words that begin to describe Helen Ann Gray. Helen had […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Bud Charles Gerald Eugene “Bud” Charles, age 91, a life-long resident of Connersville, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 22, 1933, Bud was one of five children of Ellis and Ada Lemon Charles Sr. He was a graduate of Everton High School. A proud veteran, Bud […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Vera Lee Wardlow RICHMOND, Ind. – Vera Lee Wardlow, age 96, of Richmond, Indiana, went to meet her Lord and loved ones on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at home. She was born February 5, 1929, in New Castle, Indiana, to Edgar William and Etta Todd Turpin. A 1947 graduate of New Castle High School, she was a member […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Sherri L. Johnson Sherri L. Johnson, 54, of Knightstown passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025, at her home following an extended illness. She was born November 11, 1971, in New Castle to the late Richard and Shirley (Melton) Sayre. She attended New Castle Chrysler High School. Sherri worked in accounting for several companies, including MSI in Indianapolis. After […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Rodney E. Hardy Rodney E. Hardy of Connersville passed away on Friday November 14, 2025, at The Springs of Richmond at the age of 79. Rodney was born View full obituary — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Granville P. Barrett Granville P. Barrett, of Connersville, IN, passed away unexpectedly on November 14, 2025 at the age of 73. His family is saddened and shocked by his sudden death but find comfort knowing they were there with him in his final hours. Granville was born on August 23, 1952 to Ernest and Cora (Wilder) Barrett. Raised […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Aldan Newman H. Aldan Newman, 81, of Fountain City, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the comfort of his home on Thursday, November 13. Aldan was born on November 28, 1943, in Richmond, Indiana, the son of Herschel Vincent & Janice Kathryn Marting Newman. He was a 1962 graduate of Fountain City High School and […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Linville “Bud” Lairson Linville C. “Bud” Lairson, 88, of Richmond, passed away on Friday morning, November 7, at Ambassador Healthcare in Centerville. Bud was born on July 13, 1937, in Clark County, Kentucky, the son of Truman & Lillie Mae Stamper Lairson. He married the former Iris Ann Schankel nearly 66 years ago on January 8, 1960. […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Bob Benson Bobby L. “Bob” Benson, 89, of Richmond, passed away Thursday, October 23, at Reid Health. Bob was born in Lynn, Indiana, on March 22, 1936, the son of Paul Edwin and Dorothy Lucille Frazier Benson. He graduated from Lynn High School in 1954 and served in the US Air Force. Bob enjoyed a career as […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Betty Allene Thomas Betty Allene Thomas, 101, formerly of Bethel, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, in the loving, caring home of her son and his family in Columbus, Indiana. Mrs. Thomas was born in Richmond, Indiana, on March 10, 1924, to Everett J. & Pearl Hazel Knoll White. In her youth, she played the […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

David Shute David W. Shute, 85, of Richmond, passed away on Sunday morning, October 26, with family at his side. He was born on September 2, 1940, in Richmond, Indiana to Leslie M. and Pearl Coffman Shute. He was raised in Williamsburg and was a 1958 graduate of Williamsburg High School. He later attended Ball State University. […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Mike Reynolds Michael Gene Reynolds, 70, of Williamsburg, walked into God’s woods on Wednesday morning, October 22. Mike was born in Elwood, Indiana on July 11, 1955, to Claude Leon & Trumanette “Trudy” Bolen Reynolds, both of whom preceded him in death. Mike was a proud Northeastern Knight who graduated with the Class of 1973. His school […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Louise Ann Goodman Baby Louise Ann Goodman, was born in the arms of Jesus on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Riley Hospital for Children. She will be sadly missed by her Mommy and Daddy, Jessica Mercer and Xavier Goodman of New Castle, and her big brother, Malakai Goodman. Private graveside services and burial will be at Green Hills […] — (Posted November 17, 2025)

Pamela K. Smith Pamela K. Smith, 74, of Knightstown passed away November 14, 2025 at her home, while surrounded by her loved ones. Born July 13, 1951 in New Castle, Indiana, Pam was the daughter of the late Paul and Wilma Loveall of Knightstown. She married the love of her life, the late Gary L. Smith, on February […] — (Posted November 16, 2025)

Kenneth D. Rodgers Kenneth D. “Kenny” Rodgers, 68, of New Castle, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Rosebud Village Nursing Home in Richmond. He was born on August 3, 1957 in Lafayette, IN to John and Mary Lucille (Sapp) Rodgers. Kenny lived most of his life in Lafayette, where he graduated in 1975 from Lafayette Jefferson […] — (Posted November 16, 2025)

Sythia Helen House Sythia Helen (Sanders) House, 96, of Lewisburg, Ohio, died Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Vancrest of Eaton. Born on March 28, 1929 in Wilmore, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late John M. & Martha E. (Gullett) Sanders. Helen was a retired Telephone Operator for General Telephone and was a member of the Lewisburg […] — (Posted November 16, 2025)

Judy Ann Morris Judy Ann (Magner) Morris, 85, went to be with the Lord on November 14, 2025. She was born on November 5, 1940, in Mitchell, IN to the late Evelyn (Magner) Hahn. Her adoptive parents were the late Dewey and Mae Magner. Judy, along with her adoptive parents, moved to Muncie, IN, in 1944. Judy later […] — (Posted November 16, 2025)

Granville Barrett Granville Barrett, 73, passed away unexpectedly Friday, November 14, 2025 at Reid Health of Richmond, Indiana. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. — (Posted November 15, 2025)

Soozi Worley CAMBRIDGE CITY- Charlene Ann “Soozi” Worley, 85, passed away early Friday morning November 14, 2025 at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana. One of four children of the late Forrest “Boots” and Darlene (Petersohn) Darter, Charlene was born at home in Dublin, Indiana on April 11, 1940. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School with […] — (Posted November 15, 2025)

Richard “Rick” Arlen Crumbaugh Richard “Rick” Arlen Crumbaugh, 72, of Cambridge City, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Rick was born on October 19, 1953, in Richmond, Indiana, the son of the late Richard Shaw and Edith (Pue) Moore. On June 18, 1994, Rick married the love of his life, Becky (Carson) […] — (Posted November 15, 2025)

Richard Eugene Bess Richard Eugene Bess, 83, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, in Lebanon, Ohio. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Richard lived a life marked by dedication to family, service to country through his engineering work, and a deep appreciation for adventure and community. Born on December 1, 1941, in New Castle, Indiana, Richard […] — (Posted November 15, 2025)