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.

William D. Naylor William D. Naylor, age 57, passed away at Reid Health on November 6, 2021. He was born May 12, 1964, to Walter and Freda Naylor, in New Castle, Indiana. He is survived by two daughters: Tiffany Naylor and Lindsey Davis; and grandchildren. There is no public services. Community Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with […] — (Posted November 11, 2021)

Nicky Davidson Nicky Davidson, 51, of Williamsburg passed away November 9, 2021, after a long illness. He was born December 13, 1969, in Richmond to Amos and Virgie L. Flanery Davidson and lived in this area all of his life. He worked for Mid Town Cars and attended Mercy’s Way Church. Nicky is survived by his father, his wife […] — (Posted November 11, 2021)

Paula D. Sapp Paula D. Sapp, age 52, a resident of Mooreland, Indiana, passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021. She was born March 25, 1969 in Tampa, Florida, a daughter of the late Walter and Paulette Pearson Christie. Paula was a longtime resident of Mooreland and New Castle where she worked for New Castle Foam Rubber for many […] — (Posted November 11, 2021)

James “Jr.” Lawson James “Jr.” Lawson, age 67, went home to be with the Lord Monday, November 8, 2021 at Waters Edge Nursing Facility in Muncie, In. He was born September 21, 1954 in New Castle, Indiana, a son of Clyde and Josie Terry Lawson. James worked as a security guard most of his adult life. However, James […] — (Posted November 11, 2021)

Betty Ray Joyner Chowning Betty Ray Joyner Chowning, 92, of Connersville, passed away Monday evening, November 8, 2021 at Heritage House of Connersville. She was born March 3, 1929 in New Castle, Indiana to Eula Joyner, and she was a graduate of Milton High School where she participated in cheerleading. On June 25, 1947, she married Earl Chowning of […] — (Posted November 11, 2021)

Mary Kathryn “Kay” Webb Weber Mary Kathryn “Kay” Webb Weber died November 9, 2021, in Richmond, Indiana, and will dwell in the House of the Lord with her Heavenly Father forever. Freed from the pain of crippling arthritis, there is only room for rest. I have written my obituary in 2020, so that I can share my own story. Born […] — (Posted November 11, 2021)

Darrell Charles Ronan Darrell Charles Ronan, age 87, of Richmond, Indiana, died Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Friends Fellowship Community. Born November 10, 1933, in Richmond, Indiana, to Clyde M. and Opal Livingston Ronan, Darrell was a life-long resident of this community. He graduated from Richmond High School. While still in high school, Darrell began his career at […] — (Posted November 11, 2021)

Betty June Smith Betty June Smith, age 84, passed away at her residence on November 4, 2021. She was born to Charles and Anna White in New Paris, Ohio. Betty was a homemaker and a member of Solid Rock Ministries; where she was baptized at age 69. She loved to walk and would walk everywhere. Betty loved her […] — (Posted November 10, 2021)

Stanley Clark Lifetime Connersville resident Stanley Clark, 74, died Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Reid Health in Richmond. Stanley was born to James B. and Bessie Blanton Clark on December 4, 1946. He attended Connersville High School graduating with the class of 1966. Stanley was a devoted husband to the former Ada Ruth McFarland, whom preceded him […] — (Posted November 10, 2021)

Bruce Warren LaMar Bruce Warren LaMar, 70, of Richmond died November 6, 2021, at his home after a short illness. He was born December 2, 1950, in Hartford City to Velmer “Bud and Ella Katheryn Warren LaMar and lived in Richmond for fifteen years. He retired from GTE (Verizon). He was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church and […] — (Posted November 9, 2021)

Barbara Ann Brown Showalter Barbara Ann Brown Showalter, 66, Richmond, was called home to be with Jesus on Nov. 8, 2021. She was born July 2, 1955 in Richmond, Indiana to the late Keith C. and Phyllis (Pohlar) Brown. She lived in Indiana, Illinois, and Florida. She bravely fought cancer for 14 years. Barb was the mother of Kristy […] — (Posted November 9, 2021)

Miriam Rees Miriam Rees, age 82 of New Paris, Ohio went to be with the Lord on Friday November 5, 2021. She was born in Richmond, Indiana on April 10, 1939, to Virgil O. Cox and Ruth M. Warren Finley. Miriam was a lifetime member of First Christian Church and graduated from Richmond High School in 1957. […] — (Posted November 9, 2021)

Jeffrey C. Jones Jeffrey C. Jones, age 69, Richmond, died Sunday, November 7, 2021, at Reid Health. Born August 15, 1952, in Connersville, Indiana, to Charlie and Delores Morgan Jones, Jeff lived in this community most of his life. He graduated from Connersville High School. Jeff worked in the construction industry. He was multi-talented, including being a champion […] — (Posted November 9, 2021)

Janice Ellen Bragg Janice Ellen Bragg, Richmond, passed from this life on Monday, November 8, 2021, at Reid Health. She was a native of Richmond, Indiana, and a 1960 graduate of Richmond High School. She lived in Richmond most of her life except for a few years, 1961-1964, when she and her husband resided in his hometown, Fountain […] — (Posted November 9, 2021)

Rosemarie Wuertemberger Rosemarie Wuertemberger, age 90, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Reid Health. She was born on November 14, 1930, to Edward and Lucy Cable Kruckeberg. “Rosie”, as she was known to family and friends, grew up in Versailles, Ohio, before moving with her family to Boston, Indiana, where she attended Boston […] — (Posted November 7, 2021)

Phyllis Kay Green Phyllis Kay Green, 80, Largo, Florida, passed away Thursday evening November 4, 2021 at her home in Largo, Florida. A daughter of the late Willard Howard and Ethel Garnell (Davis) Barnes, Phyllis was born in Cambridge City, Indiana on February 19, 1941. She was raised in the Cambridge City and Dublin communities and graduated from […] — (Posted November 7, 2021)

Barbara Jo Pratt Barbara Jo Pratt, age 66, passed peacefully October 31, 2021, at Auburn Village in Auburn, Indiana. Barb was born on October 2, 1955 and lived most of her life in Anderson, Indiana. A daughter to the late Maxine (Lawrence) and William Mahaney, Barb was one of eight children. A widow to Russell Pratt, who passed […] — (Posted November 7, 2021)

Carole Jean (Johnson) Conningham Carole Jean (Johnson) Conningham, 77, of Dublin, Indiana passed away on Saturday morning November 6, 2021 at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana while surrounded by her family. A daughter of the late Elizabeth (Johnson) and James Case, Carole was born on July 23, 1944 in Connersville, Indiana. Carole lived most of her life in Milton […] — (Posted November 7, 2021)

Carlos Doolin Jr. Carlos Doolin Jr., age 57, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, November 5, 2021, at Reid Health and is now home with his Lord and Savior. Born November 26, 1963, in Arjay, Kentucky, to Carlos and Easter Wagner Doolin Sr., Carlos lived in Richmond most of his life. He was a lifelong mechanic. Carlos was also […] — (Posted November 6, 2021)

Glenna Faye Van Sickle Glenna Faye Van Sickle, age 79, of Richmond, Indiana, died Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Reid Health. Glenna was born on February 17, 1942, in Harlan County, Kentucky, to Edgar and Arzella Fielden Estridge. She worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Friends Fellowship Community for 25 years. Glenna had a heart for serving […] — (Posted November 6, 2021)

Kathleen Sue “Kathy’ Reece Kathleen Sue “Kathy’ Reece, 69, of Richmond, died November 3, 2021, unexpectedly at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born March 29, 1952, in New Castle to Robert “Bob” Gamber and Edith Beard and had lived in Wayne Country all her life. She retired from Reid Hospital and was a graduate of Hagerstown High […] — (Posted November 6, 2021)

Patricia “Trish” Elaine York Wood Patricia “Trish” Elaine York Wood, age 61, left this earth to join all her loved ones in Heaven on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. She was born August 22, 1960, a daughter of Lyle and Sallie Howe. Trish was an outstanding mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, and friend. Even on her worst days, she could make the […] — (Posted November 6, 2021)

Ronald Beck Tower New Castle resident Ronald Beck Tower, age 80, died Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at home following a lengthy illness. Born June 15, 1941 in New Castle, he was the son of Sylvester and Hazel Collins Tower. He was a 1959 graduate of Walter P. Chrysler High School. He served as a field operator in the […] — (Posted November 6, 2021)

John T. Funkhouser John T. Funkhouser, age 72, of Hagerstown, Indiana, passed Monday, November 1, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. Born April 14, 1949, in Belmont, Ohio, to John and Ethel Moore Funkhouser, John moved to Wayne County, Indiana, in 1982. He served in the U.S. Navy. John worked as a bricklayer for F.A. Wilhelm Construction […] — (Posted November 6, 2021)

Geneva O. Johnson Geneva O. Johnson, 93, of Lynn, IN passed away early Friday, November 5, 2021 at Reid Health and Hospital of Richmond, IN. She was born October 22, 1928 in Winchester, IN, the daughter of Malhon and Pauline (Cook) Dalzell. She was a 1947 graduate of Spartanburg High School of Spartanburg, IN. Geneva retired in 1991 […] — (Posted November 6, 2021)

Donald Greg Thompson Donald Greg Thompson, 53, of Greens Fork, died Friday, October 29, 2021, at Reid Health in Richmond. No public services are planned at this time. Culberson Funeral Home, Hagerstown. — (Posted November 6, 2021)

Nancy Jane (Wolfe) Wright Nancy Jane (Wolfe) Wright, passed away peacefully October 18th, 2021 at Tidewell Hospice House in Venice, FL. She was born May 29 1955 in Portland, IN, the daughter of Bob and Joan (Stewart) Wolfe. She was a graduate of Winchester High School and Ball State University with a degree in accounting. She worked as an […] — (Posted November 5, 2021)

Donna Diane Gordnier Donna Diane Gordnier, 67, of Richmond, passed away on November 2, 2021. She was born on July 7, 1954 in Connersville, Indiana the daughter of Donald and Marilyn (Steward) Showalter. Donna was a 1972 graduate of Connersville High School. She worked at Reid Health in Richmond, Wishard of Indianapolis, Advantage Home Care, and Bethany Home […] — (Posted November 5, 2021)

Ardin R. Chaney Ardin R. Chaney, age 85, passed away on Tuesday November 2, 2021, while at home. He was born in Richmond, Indiana on September 7, 1936, to John L. and Dorothy Paul Chaney and had lived in the area all his life. Ardin graduated from Richmond High School, class of 1955. He married his sweetheart Iona […] — (Posted November 5, 2021)

Brandon Russell Conn Ritchie Brandon Russell Conn Ritchie, age 36, born May 14, 1985, passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 1, 2021. Brandon loved playing the bass guitar on stage in front of crowds. Years ago, he was the bass guitar player for the band “Drop Kick Billy.” When he wasn’t playing the guitar, he loved spending time with his […] — (Posted November 5, 2021)