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.

Frank Foster Frank Foster, 71 of Cambridge City passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022. He was born on February 9, 1951 to Paul Foster and Doshia Gibson Foster. On November 28, 1986 he married Victoria Haning in Cambridge City. Frank served in the United States Army during Vietnam and worked in Vehicle Maintenance. Frank retired from […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Rita Fay Swartz Rita Fay Swartz, 67, passed away late Monday night March 1st, 2022, at Henry Community Health, New Castle, Indiana. Rita was born to John Lester and Lillie Pearl (Jones) Ragan on March 17th, 1954, in New Castle. She was raised in the New Lisbon community and attended New Lisbon Christian Church. Rita married her then […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Frank L. Crowe Frank L. Crowe, age 99, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. Born January 12, 1923, in Centerville, Indiana, to Ernest and Ellen McKibbing Crowe, Frank was a life-long resident of Wayne County, Indiana. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army in the SW […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Veldeanie “Vel” Hampton Veldeanie “Vel” Hampton, age 67, of Centerville, Indiana, went home to be with Jesus and be reunited with her son on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Reid Health. Born January 27, 1955, in Richmond, Indiana, to Lorene Raby, Vel was a life-long resident of this community. She graduated from Centerville High School in 1973 and […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Carrie Ann Munson-Swallow Carrie Ann Munson-Swallow, age 49, passed away at her residence on March 4, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 12, 1972, the daughter of Perry Mervin Munson and Karen Kay Campbell, in Columbus, Georgia. Carrie resided in Richmond, Indiana with her husband and daughter. She graduated from Ivy Tech in 1996, […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Gerald “Jerry” Duane Van Note Gerald “Jerry” Duane Van Note, July 14, 1952 – February 21, 2022 Gerald “Jerry” Van Note transitioned at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana on February 21, 2022 due to a pulmonary embolism. He was born in Winchester, Indiana on July 14, 1952. Jerry is survived by his husband David Good; children Michael Van Note, Sarah […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Roger LaFollette Sr. Roger LaFollette Sr. 77, of Connersville, died Saturday, February 26, 2022 at his residence. Born September 26, 1944 in Batesville to Ernest and Mary Priddy LaFollette. Roger proudly served his country joining the United States Navy. He enjoyed hunting; he was an avid member of the North American Hunting Club and the NRA. In his […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

David E. Wood David E. Wood, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday February 22, 2022, at his home in Indianapolis. He was born in Richmond, Indiana on May 20, 1952, to Donald E. and Deloris E. Smittkamp Wood. David graduated from Richmond High School and continued to Central Bible College where he earned his bachelor’s degree. David […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Judith Ann Kurtz Judith Ann Kurtz (Judy), 81, of Liberty, IN, went to her rest after a long illness on February 25, 2022, while surrounded by loved ones at Golden Rule in Richmond. She was born August 20, 1940, in Hampton, VA, to William Howard and Ann Balmer Wall. She was a graduate of Hampton High School, class […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Frank “Frankie” Frisco, Frank “Frankie” Frisco, age 59 of Liberty, passed away on Friday February 25, 2022, at his home. Born on September 30, 1962, in Plainfield, New Jersey, he is the son of Betty Weimer Frisco and the late Frank Frisco. On July 6, 1995, he married Joan Pollin Frisco. They shared 29 years together before she […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Sue Mathews Sue Mathews, 66 passed away peacefully on Monday, February 28, 2022. She was born in Albuquerque, NM on August 27, 1955 to Alton and Alma (Westley) Shultz. She was a 1973 graduate of Connersville High School. She and her husband Terry Mathews were married September 15, 1973 and lived in Richmond the remainder of their […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Dan J. Barker Dan J. Barker, 64, passed away unexpectedly February 18th, 2022 at his home in White Sulphur Springs, MT. He was born July 31, 1957 in Richmond, Indiana, son of William and Patsy (Hunt) Barker. The family resided in Fountain City, Indiana. Dan graduated from Northeastern High School in 1976. He participated in basketball and track. […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Imogene Lakes Imogene Lakes, 81, Straughn, went to be with the Lord on Saturday February 26th, 2022, at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana. Imogene was born on December 9th, 1940, to Harlan and Lizzie Ellen (Rose) Gabbard in Foxtown, Kentucky. She worked as a secretary for Crop Production Services in Straughn for 15 years, and prior to […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Carol Jean Becklund Carol Jean Becklund, 63, of New Castle, passed away Monday, February 28, 2022 at I.U. Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie following an extended illness. She was born July 13, 1958 in New Castle, Indiana, a daughter of the late Norman and Mary Ann (Bennett) Becklund. Carol was a member of New Castle American Legion, […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Kenneth Leroy Lynch Kenneth Leroy Lynch, Walkerton, IN – On February 27th, 2022, Kenneth Leroy Lynch passed away with his loving wife and three daughters there to love and support him on his journey. Ken was born on November 2nd, 1951, in Richmond, IN to Warren & Juanita Lynch. Ken graduated from Richmond High School in 1970 and […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

William “Bill” A. Telker William “Bill” A. Telker, 72, of Connersville, went home to be with our precious Lord on Monday, February 28, 2022 after his hard-fought battle with Cancer. He was born September 21, 1949 in Connersville to Ambrose and Anna Mulheeren Telker, and he was a graduate of Connersville High School. On July 2, 1999, he married […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

John Arthur Puckett John Arthur Puckett, 78, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2022, after an extended illness, with his family by his side. John was born on May 17, 1943 in Henry County to Howard and Kathleen Puckett. After Howard’s death, Kathleen remarried to Willie (Spike) Raines. John grew up outside of New Lisbon and graduated from […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Norma J. Werner Norma J. Werner, age 83, of Richmond, Indiana, died Monday, February 28, 2022, at home surrounded by her family. Born May 13, 1938, in Greene County, Tennessee, to Fain and Tabitha Barr Gregg, Norma lived in Wayne County, Indiana, most of her life. She was a 1957 graduate of Boston High School in Indiana. Norma […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Phillip D. Elleman Phillip D. Elleman 74 of Richmond passed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2022. He was born May 10, 1947, in Eldorado, Ohio to Lowell and Jeanette Miller Elleman and lived in this area all of his life. Phillip was a sergeant in the Air Force serving in Germany. He worked as an insurance agent with […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Martha Eurick Martha Eurick, 95, formerly of Connersville, passed away in McKee, Kentucky on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. One of six children of Christopher Eugene and Nancy Margaret Richmond Ladd, Martha was born in Alpine, Indiana on March 11, 1926. In her leisure time, she enjoyed fishing, shopping, cookouts, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Eula F. Pedersen Eula F. Pedersen, 95, a resident of New Castle passed away Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Springhurst Health Campus. She was born November 17, 1926 in Wayne County, Kentucky to the late Jerry M. and Mary Ethel (Ragan) Sexton. A homemaker, she had attended Park Place Free Methodist Church in New Castle. Eula was the […] — (Posted February 28, 2022)

Kya June Spears Kya June Spears took her final rest in the arms of her loving parents, Stephen Spears and Presley Rees on February 22nd, 2022 at Riley Children’s Hospital. Kya’s presence, laughter, smile and light will be missed more than her parents have the words to describe. Kya arrived on June 16th, 2021, a blessing placed softly […] — (Posted February 28, 2022)

Allen Scott Luginbill Allen Scott Luginbill. After a brief illness Scott left his journey on earth 02-13-22 . Predeceased was his Father Tom J. Luginbill New Paris, Step Sister Debra J. Cordine (John David). In also his beloved dog Jasper. He is survived by his step Mother Jo A. Luginbill (Mamajo) New Paris, Step Nephew Daniel Cordine (Beth), […] — (Posted February 28, 2022)

Mary L. Wilmot Mary L. Wilmot, age 82, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away Thursday, February 24, 2022, at Reid Health surrounded by her family. Mary was born on June 29, 1939, in Richmond, Indiana, to Clarence and Mary Trotter. She lived in Richmond all her life, except for the 15 years she lived in Rockmart, Georgia. Mary was […] — (Posted February 28, 2022)

Susan K. Cook Susan K. Cook, age 80, of Richmond, Indiana, died Thursday, February 24, 2022, at Golden LivingCenter – Golden Rule surrounded by her family. Born January 31, 1942, in Richmond, Indiana, to Richard and Pauline Schuerman Thistlethwaite, Susan was a life-long resident of this community. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Susan enjoyed […] — (Posted February 28, 2022)

Billie Flora Jean McQuinley Blakley Billie Flora Jean McQuinley Blakley, 91, of Connersville, passed away on Friday February 25, 2022. She was born on April 5, 1930, in Connersville to William S. McQuinley and Naina Priscilla Curry McQuinley. She graduated in 1948 from Connersville. She was a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority. She had her own band for a […] — (Posted February 28, 2022)

Rose E. Burris Rose E. Burris passed away peacefully at the age of 65 on Tuesday, February 22nd after a long battle with cancer. Born on November 9th, 1956 to Blanche and Joe Dye, Rose spent most of her life in Richmond and in New Castle. Rose, a lifelong animal lover and advocate, worked at the Henry County […] — (Posted February 27, 2022)

Phillip Allen “Phil” Monger Phillip Allen “Phil” Monger was born in Richmond, Indiana, on June 21, 1939. He died peacefully surrounded by his family at Reid Health on February 13, 2022. Phil was the only child of Walter and Vivian Myers Monger. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1957 and attended Indiana University (IU), where he earned a […] — (Posted February 24, 2022)

Lois “Gail” Richmond Lois “Gail” Richmond, age 69, of Richmond IN, passed away on February 23, 2022, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 10, 1953, in Cincinnati, OH, to Milburn and Dorothy (Abbott) Humphrey. She married Bobby C Richmond on October 12, 1968, at the Brookville United Methodist Church and together they […] — (Posted February 24, 2022)

Ray A. Isaac Ray A. Isaac, 79, of Bowling Green, Kentucky passed away peacefully on February 14, 2022, surrounded by his family. He grew up in Union County, Indiana and worked in Richmond and Connersville for many years. Ray knew how to tell a good story. Whether he was telling a story to his grandchildren or to a […] — (Posted February 24, 2022)