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.

Jessica Atkins Jessica Atkins, age 45, passed away at Reid Health on August 28, 2021. She was born November 4, 1975, to Tim Atkins and Vicky Christian, in New Castle, Indiana. Jessica attended Eastern Hancock Schools and was a current resident of Richmond, Indiana. She loved fishing, arts & crafts, music, dancing and spending time with family […] — (Posted September 9, 2021)

James A. Steele James A. Steele, 85, of Connersville died on Tuesday September 7, 2021, at Reid Health in Richmond after a brief illness. James was born to Luther and Pearl (Hughes) Steele on February 16, 1936 in Jackson County, Kentucky. He was an arc welder at Design and Manufacturing (D & M) starting his career in 1965. […] — (Posted September 9, 2021)

Kathy Elliott Kathy Elliott, age 52, a resident of Wabash, Indiana, passed away Monday, September 6, 2021 at Parkview Regional Hospital in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. She was born July 17, 1969, a daughter of Eugene Thompson and Martha Chaser Thompson. Kathy was a 1988 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School. She attended the Living Faith Church […] — (Posted September 9, 2021)

Lance Robert Rollf Lance Robert Rollf, age 67, of Williamsburg, Indiana, died Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. Lance was born on September 22, 1953, in Richmond, Indiana, to Robert and JoAnn Richardson Rollf. He was a graduate of Fox Chapel High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Salem College in West Virginia. Lance proudly […] — (Posted September 9, 2021)

Lyra Lenora Orr Lyra Lenora Orr, age 3 months, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2021 at her home. She was born May 18, 2021 in New Castle and was an infant daughter of Bradley Orr and Cheyenne Sexton. She loved watching Bubble Guppies and being with her siblings. She also enjoyed her Alilo bunny rattle and sleeping to […] — (Posted September 9, 2021)

James Richard Leo James Richard Leo, 74, went to his heavenly home on Sunday September 5, 2021. He was surrounded by his loving children as he was sent to join his wife Shirley in Heaven. James, also known as Jimmy to some and Jim to others, was, born on December 30, 1946 in New Castle, Indiana to the […] — (Posted September 9, 2021)

Ruth Ann Hannefey Ruth Ann Hannefey, 83, of Connersville passed away Wednesday morning, September 8, 2021 at Reid Health, Richmond. One of two daughters of Harlie and Nellie Corbin, Ruth was born in Fayette County, Indiana on August 15, 1938 and graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1956. On February 28, 1957, Ruth married Herschel […] — (Posted September 9, 2021)

Robert Lee McNeely, Jr. Robert Lee McNeely, Jr. 64, of Cambridge City, died at his home on Sunday, September 5, 2021. He was born in Muncie on June 22, 1957. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public services. — (Posted September 9, 2021)

Wesley E. Johnson Wesley E. Johnson, 70, of Williamsburg, died Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis. He was born in Winchester on September 26, 1950 to Charles and Luella (Jones) Johnson and was a life long resident of the area.A retired diesel mechanic, he enjoyed working with his hands and caring for his flowers.Survivors include […] — (Posted September 9, 2021)

Ralland Lee Hall Ralland Lee Hall, age 86, of Winchester, Indiana, died Monday, September 6, 2021, at Reid Health. Born June 18, 1935, in Lynn, Indiana, to Cecil Pruitt and Dorothy Viola Harris Hall, Ralland was a life-long resident of Randolph County, Indiana. He attended Lynn High School. Ralland served in the U.S. Army. He retired from OMCO […] — (Posted September 7, 2021)

Carolyn E. Abrams Carolyn E. Abrams, 86, went to be with the Lord on Friday September 3, 2021,at Randolph County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on October 11, 1934 in Carlos, IN to the late Paul and Mildred (Wickett) Thomas. She married Vaughn Abrams in 1952 and he preceded her in death in 1987. Carolyn worked […] — (Posted September 7, 2021)

Beverly Ann Branham Beverly Ann Branham, of Eaton, Ohio, passed away one day short of her 92nd birthday on Sunday morning, September 5, 2021. Born September 6, 1929 in Richmond, Indiana, she was the eldest of three children born to the late Estel and Irene (Jurgens) Evans. A graduate of Centerville (IN) Senior High School, she and her […] — (Posted September 7, 2021)

Marion Eliazabeth Paisley Auman Marion Eliazabeth Paisley Auman of Asheboro passed away on September 4th surrounded by her family at Clapps Convalescent Nursing home after a short illness. Mrs. Auman was born January 11, 1920, in Asheboro. She spent much of her early adult life in Asheboro and became a member of West Bend United Methodist Church. Her family moved […] — (Posted September 7, 2021)

Jamie Emmett Hobbs Jamie Emmett Hobbs, 37, of Hagerstown, died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Henry Community Health. He was born on March 2, 1984 to Terry and Debbie Hobbs and was a life long resident of the Hagerstown area. Jamie graduated from Hagerstown High School, Class of 2003. Jamie proudly served with the US Marine […] — (Posted September 7, 2021)

Stephen Deskin Jones Stephen Deskin Jones, age 80, Richmond, died Friday (September 3, 2021) at AMG Specialty Care in Greenfield, Indiana. He was born in Richmond, IN on June 19, 1941 to Deskin H. and Mary Evelyn Bowsher-Jones and had lived here most of his life. He was a 1959 graduate of Richmond Senior High School and then […] — (Posted September 7, 2021)

Edna Lucille Thomas Louden Ford Connersville resident, Edna Lucille Thomas Louden Ford, 85, died on August 30, 2021 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Rushville. Edna was born to Carlton E. and Annie Elizabeth Brooks Thomas on July 24, 1936 in Centerville. She attended Brookville schools graduating with the class of 1954. Edna married Charles Ford at Calvary Baptist on June […] — (Posted September 7, 2021)

Charles Robert McCord Charles Robert McCord, 86, passed away Thursday September 2, 2021 at his home in Cambridge City with his family at his side. A son of the late Charles Emanuel and Mary Catherine (Myers) McCord, Charles was born on his mother’s farm near Economy, Indiana on July 12, 1935. He enjoyed working on the farm as […] — (Posted September 6, 2021)

Matthew Brian Sittloh Matthew Brian Sittloh, 49, of Carmel, departed this life at his home on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Matt was born on July 4, 1972 in Richmond, Indiana to Donald “Jack” and Sharon K. Sittloh. He grew up and attended primary school in the Williamsburg and Fountain City area. He then attended Vincennes University (where he […] — (Posted September 6, 2021)

William Jason Mathews William Jason Mathews, age 45, of Centerville, Indiana, died Friday, September 3, 2021, at Reid Health. Born November 9, 1975, in Richmond, Indiana, to William Joseph “Bill” and Stella Mae Blevins Mathews, Jason was a life-long resident of Wayne County, Indiana. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1995. Jason worked at a group home. […] — (Posted September 6, 2021)

Joseph “Joe” Griffin Joseph “Joe” Griffin, age 90, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, September 5, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. Born January 12, 1931, in Metamora, Indiana, to George and Flossie Burke Griffin, Joe was a life-long resident of Wayne County, Indiana. He served in the U.S. Army. Joe worked at Johns Manville for 42 ½ […] — (Posted September 6, 2021)

James C. “Jim” Pardo James C. “Jim” Pardo, age 86, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, September 5, 2021, at Arbor Trace surrounded by his family. Born September 21, 1934, in Richmond, Indiana, to Anthony Joseph and Mary Whitmore Pardo, Jim lived in Wayne County, Indiana, most of his life. He graduated from Webster High School and earned two associate […] — (Posted September 6, 2021)

Fred Louis Cheesman Fred Louis Cheesman, 97, of Springport passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021 at his residence. He was born June 3, 1924 in Dalton, Indiana to the late Carl and Madge (Hadley) Cheesman. He was a 1942 graduate of Economy High School then joined the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946 in the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean aboard […] — (Posted September 6, 2021)

Patricia Ruth (White) Baker Patricia Ruth (White) Baker was born on January 4, 1934 and passed away on January 31, 2020. Due to health safety and to allow for as many people to attend as would like, her celebration of life was delayed until now. We will honor her on Thursday, September 16, 2021 with a burial side memorial […] — (Posted September 6, 2021)

Nicholas “Nick” Snowden Nicholas “Nick” Snowden, 25, of New Castle and formerly of Cambridge City, passed away on Sunday September 5, 2021 at Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born on September 17, 1995 in Richmond, Indiana to Ronnie and Linda (Taylor) Snowden. Nick lived most of his life in and around Cambridge City. He attended Lincoln High School […] — (Posted September 6, 2021)

Rife P. Rude Rife P. Rude, 89, of Connersville, died Friday, September 3, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Rife was born to Luther L. and Gladys O. Paddock Rude on April 30, 1932 in Union County, Indiana. He graduated in 1950 from Brownsville Schools. Rife proudly enlisted in the United States Army in 1953. […] — (Posted September 5, 2021)

Olyver Flynn Ripberger Olyver Flynn Ripberger, stillborn son of Adam and Naskietta Renee Ripberger, received his angel wings Thursday, September 2, 2021 at IU Health – Methodist, Indianapolis. Besides his parents, Olyver is survived by his maternal grandparents, Sidney and Bobbi Curtsinger of Connersville; maternal great-grandfather, Luther Gabbard of Connersville; and an aunt, Mystic Curtsinger of Connersville. Olyver […] — (Posted September 5, 2021)

Mark Anthony Bartels Mark Anthony Bartels, 60, of New Castle, passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at his residence. He was born on August 10, 1961 in Muncie, Indiana, the son of late Jack and Janet (Luellen) Bartels. Mark’s legacy will live on through his daughter, Amanda (Wayne) Williams of Greenfield; three grandchildren, Kinzie Ingermann, Kamryn Pew, […] — (Posted September 5, 2021)

Nevaeh Marie Ford Our little angel, Nevaeh Marie Ford, only 6 months old, flew into the arms of Jesus very unexpectedly early Wednesday morning, September 1, 2021 at home. She will never be forgotten. Nevaeh blessed us with her presence on February 12, 2021 at 1:15 pm at Community South Hospital in Indianapolis. She weighed 8 pounds 5 […] — (Posted September 5, 2021)

Catherine A. Harris Catherine A. Harris, age 97, of Richmond, died Wednesday morning (September 1, 2021) at Friends Fellowship Community. She was born in Richmond on July 21, 1924 to Christopher and Mae Kinsella and lived here most of her life. She had a sister, Anna Mae Kaiser and Brother James Kinsella. She was a graduate of Richmond […] — (Posted September 5, 2021)

Amber “Amy” Lyne Preston Amber “Amy” Lyne Preston, 33, of Lynn, IN passed away early Sunday morning, August 29, 2021 at Reid Health and Hospital of Richmond, IN. She was born November 30, 1987 in Winchester, IN the daughter of Randy J. and Holly R. (Pierson) Preston. She had attended Randolph Southern High School. Amy enjoyed spending her leisure […] — (Posted September 5, 2021)