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 Austin Focht, Sr. It is with deep sorrow, and much love that we mourn the passing of William Austin Focht, Sr. of Lithia Springs, Georgia, on January 29, 2021 at the age of 81. He was born May 6, 1939 in Richmond, Indiana and was the son of the late William A. and Helen V. Focht. He was […] — (Posted February 5, 2021)

Russell William “Rusty” Burris Russell William “Rusty” Burris, age 61, died December 21, 2020, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo, Ohio. Rusty was born on November 6,1959, in Orange County Florida. He attended Centerville High School and worked as a marine mechanic before his long career as a semi driver. Rusty loved his family and was always there […] — (Posted February 5, 2021)

Emma L. Houser Emma L. Houser, age 92, of Milton, Indiana, died Monday, February 1, 2021, at her home surrounded by family. Born July 16, 1928, in Eaton, Ohio, to Clarence and Margaret Taylor Wysong, Emma lived in Centerville, Indiana, most of her life. She worked at Alcoa, retiring after 20 years. Emma was a member of New […] — (Posted February 4, 2021)

Mary M. Jurden Mitchell Mary M. Jurden Mitchell, age 69, a wonderful, loving daughter, sister, mother, and grandma, was called home to be with Jesus on Friday, January 29, 2021. Mary was born at home on July 23, 1951, in Eaton, Ohio, to William and Margaret Jurden. She loved volunteering at the Salvation Army Store and at Gateway Hunger […] — (Posted February 4, 2021)

Rhonda Marie (Richards) Horan Rhonda Marie (Richards) Horan Greenwood, IN – Mrs. Rhonda Marie (Richards) Horan, 66, died peacefully in her sleep recently at her Greenwood home surrounded by her loving and caring family. She had gallantly fought myriad of serious illnesses for several years, including but not limited to, diabetes, congestive heart failure and kidney failure. She was […] — (Posted February 3, 2021)

Danny K. Spigle Danny K. Spigle, 69, of Richmond, IN passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on January 31, 2021. Danny was born in Lexington, Kentucky on December 1, 1951, to Leonard and Retha Spigle. He was a member of the Galleon Church in Centerville, IN. Danny worked at JC Penny where he retired from. He […] — (Posted February 3, 2021)

Lance Erik Scholtes Lance Erik Scholtes, 74, of Muncie and formerly of Richmond, passed away unexpectedly of complications caused by exposure to Agent Orange, on Thursday, January 28, 2021, at I.U. Health Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, June 12, 1946, to Lawrence P. and Marian (Erickson) Scholtes. A 1964 graduate of Austin […] — (Posted February 3, 2021)

Marvin E. Hofer Marvin E. Hofer, age 82, W. College Corner, passed away peacefully of complications of Alzheimer’s on Sunday evening, January 31, 2021. Born to Selma (Hertel) and Clyde Hofer on April 8, 1938, he graduated from Union School in College Corner in 1956 and from Ball State with a business degree in 1960. Working a brief […] — (Posted February 3, 2021)

Aron D. Bright Aron D. Bright, 50, of Coatesville, IN, passed away following a seven month battle with cancer on Monday, January 25, 2021. He was born May 17, 1970, in Connersville, IN, to Phillip and Susan Bright, they survive. After growing up in Centerville, IN, Aron attended Manchester College, competed as a National Qualifier wrestler and graduated […] — (Posted February 3, 2021)

Gregory D. Wilson Gregory D. Wilson, 57, of Connersville passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021 with his wife and daughter at his side at IU Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana. Greg was born in Richmond, Indiana on December 29, 1963 and is the son of C. Dale and Edna Wilson. He graduated from Connersville High School in 1982 before […] — (Posted February 3, 2021)

Timothy Sweney Timothy Sweney, 70, passed away early Sunday morning, January 31, 2021 at his home in Connersville. One of thirteen children of Fielding Thomas and Leota Miranda Wildridge Sweney, Tim was born in Connersville on November 6, 1950. On July 23, 1974, Tim married the former Joann Marcum. Mrs. Sweney passed away on January 26, 2005. […] — (Posted February 2, 2021)

Jo Ruth Works Jo Ruth Works, age 86, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, January 31, 2021, at her home. Jo was born September 9, 1934, in Fulton, Mississippi, to Homer Wayne and Irma Dulaney Thorn. She attended Itawamba Agricultural High School in Mississippi and went to college in Chicago to study floral design. Jo was a loving, caring […] — (Posted February 2, 2021)

James L. Jackson James L. Jackson passed away early Monday morning, February 1, 2021, 20 years exact to the date of his beloved wife, Irene Bond Jackson’s passing. He died from COVID-19 while in the warm care of Reid Health’s hospice workers. Jim was born August 29, 1927, to Richard C. and Lucy Alice Cheek Jackson, in a […] — (Posted February 2, 2021)

Sheryl Diann Roser (Britt) Sheryl Diann Roser (Britt), age 68, Richmond, passed away on January 29, 2021 at Reid Hospital. She was born on December 30, 1952 in Richmond, Indiana to Robert and Evelyn Siders Britt. Sheryl lived in the Richmond area all her life and attended Life Spring (Fountain City Wesleyan) Church. She graduated from Richmond High School […] — (Posted February 1, 2021)

Rose Robinson Rose Robinson, 81, of Richmond, Indiana went peacefully home on Jan 30, 2021. She was born in East Bernstadt, Kentucky on April 5, 1939, the daughter of George and Maggie Grubb. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Rose was preceded in death by her husband Vernal (Jay) Robinson; her son V. Kellon Robinson; sisters […] — (Posted February 1, 2021)

Jacqueline Kay “Jackie” Langley Jacqueline Kay “Jackie” Langley, age 72, of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, January 30, 2021, at Arbor Trace. Born June 2, 1948, in Richmond, Indiana, to Charles and Gladys Eldridge Michaels, Jackie lived in this community most of her life. She was a 1966 graduate of Whitewater- Fountain City High School. Jackie was a longtime employee […] — (Posted February 1, 2021)

Erma June May Cottongim (née White) Erma June May Cottongim (née White), age 83, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Heritage House of Richmond. Born May 27, 1937, in Petersburg, Indiana, to Porter and Willa Wineinger White, Erma was a 1956 graduate of Pike High School. She lived most of her life in Richmond. Erma worked for General […] — (Posted February 1, 2021)

Jonas F. Stoltzfus Jonas F. Stoltzfus, 48, of 7334 Palmer Rd. Greens Fork, IN passed away January 28, 2021 at his home. He was the husband of Nancy B. (Esch) Stoltzfus. He as born in Christiana, PA son of the late Jonas K. and Fannie Stoltzfus. He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church. He was […] — (Posted January 31, 2021)

Naoma M. McGough Mrs. Naoma M. McGough, 79, formerly of Williamsburg, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 28 while surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home. Naoma was born in Springfield, Kentucky to Raymond S. Wilkerson and Hazel R. Alsip Wilkerson on November 27, 1941. When she was 6, her father […] — (Posted January 31, 2021)

Loretta Mae Brown Loretta Mae Brown, 95 of New Paris, Ohio, died Friday, January 29, 2021 in New Paris. Born on August 11, 1925 in New Paris, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Walter Charles and Cecile Dean (Brown) Coblentz. Loretta grew up in New Paris and graduated in 1943 from Jefferson Township High School. She […] — (Posted January 31, 2021)

Mary Theresa Altenbach Mary Theresa Altenbach (née Portanova) passed peacefully on January 27, 2021. Mary was born in Richmond, Indiana, on January 1, 1926 to Antonio and Francesca Portanova. For seven years she was the only woman to play in the Kroger Senior Classic Pro-Am Golf Tournament and was thrilled when one year she was teamed with Neil […] — (Posted January 31, 2021)

H. Lester Wendell D.C. H. Lester Wendell D.C., 94, of New Castle passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, January 29, 2021 at Henry Community Health. He was born on September 18, 1926 in Flint, Michigan, a son of the late Harry and Adelaide (Crowter) Wendell. Les was an Army veteran of WWII and served in the South […] — (Posted January 31, 2021)

Ernest W. Hendricks, DDS Ernest W. Hendricks, DDS, age 79, of Richmond, Indiana, easily transitioned Friday, January 29, 2021, at the family farm. Born October 26, 1941, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Roy and Amy Hensley Hendricks, Ernie graduated from Talawanda High School in Oxford, Ohio. He earned his license in Medical Technology from Carnegie College in Cleveland, Ohio. Ernie […] — (Posted January 31, 2021)

David A. Waterman David A. Waterman, age 50 of Glenwood, passed away after a courageous battle of cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 17th, 1970 in Richmond, Indiana. He is the son of Paul E. Waterman Sr. and Constance (Perry) Waterman. On April 2nd 1999 in Connersville, he married Jennifer Robinson. In his leisure time […] — (Posted January 29, 2021)

Ruth Turner Rohde After a long and interesting life, Ruth Turner Rohde, 92, died in Venice, FL on January 28th, 2021. Ruth was born on February 20, 1928, the third of seven children, to Raymond and Glenna Collings Turner. She was born at home on a farm in Fountain City, where her father was a tenant farmer. Life […] — (Posted January 29, 2021)

Henry Lewis Christmon Henry Lewis Christmon, beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle passed away January 19th 2021. Born January 6th, 1935 in Richmond, Indiana to parents John and Lucille Christmon. The middle child of six siblings. From an early age his parents instilled in him a great love for family, and an appreciation of hard work. As a […] — (Posted January 29, 2021)

Julie Ann Delay Julie Ann Delay, age 73, of Centerville, Indiana, died Thursday, January 28, 2021. Born February 19, 1947, in New Castle, Indiana, to Merrill and Eunice Brookshire Ewing, Julie lived all of her life in Fayette, Wayne, and Henry County. She worked in banking for more than 40 years until retiring from MainSource Bank in 2011. […] — (Posted January 29, 2021)

The Honorable Robert L. Reinke The Honorable Robert L. Reinke, age 87, of Richmond, Indiana, died January 26, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. Born February 28, 1933, in South Bend, Indiana, to William and Eva Hein Reinke, Bob graduated from South Bend Adams High School in 1951 and was a 1955 graduate of Wabash College and a […] — (Posted January 29, 2021)

Michelle Suzette McKallip Michelle Suzette McKallip, 66, of New Castle passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at her residence. She was born November 12, 1954 in Lebanon, Indiana, a daughter of the late David LaBolle and Patricia (Reinke) Huffman. She was formerly employed as a dental assistant. Michelle loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends. She […] — (Posted January 29, 2021)

Betty Jean Gaddis Betty Jean Gaddis, 74, of New Castle died Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at I.U. Health Ball Memorial in Muncie. She was born May 16, 1946 in New Castle, Indiana to the late Keith and Cora (Todd) Pope. She was a 1964 graduate of Mt. Summit High School. Betty raised her children and worked a number […] — (Posted January 29, 2021)