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.

Deborah Elaine Duncan Rankin Isley Deborah Elaine Duncan Rankin Isley, age 50, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2020, at St. Vincent Randolph Hospital in Winchester, Indiana, after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer. Debbie was born on May 6, 1970, in Rockford, Illinois, to Patricia Wright Young. She graduated from National Trail High School in 1988. […] — (Posted October 1, 2020)

Rena Katherine White Rena Katherine White, 80, of New Castle, died Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at Henry Community Health. She was born in Wayne County, at what later became the Copper Kettle, on November 7, 1939 to William Thomas and Ottie (Bord) Hopper and was a life long resident of the area. For many years, Rena operated a […] — (Posted October 1, 2020)

John W. Herrmann John W. Herrmann, age 85, of Eldorado, OH, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. He was born May 31, 1935 in Connersville, IN to the late Edward H. and Louise M. (Roell) Herrmann. He was a graduate of Monroe High School; and was a member of St. John Catholic Church, New Paris, OH. He […] — (Posted October 1, 2020)

Donita Sue Denney Donita Sue Denney, 61, of New Castle passed away, Monday September 28, 2020 at IU Heath Ball Memorial Hospital. She was born October 23, 1958 in New Castle to Russell Raines and Lois (Ford) Richey. She was employed at anchor Homes in New Castle for several years. Donita was formerly employed at Snug Harbor Healthcare […] — (Posted September 30, 2020)

Gretchen Dempsey Gretchen Dempsey, 71, of New Castle passed away Monday, September 28, 2020 at IU Heath Methodist Hospital. She was born March 28, 1949 in New Castle to the late Richard and Fannie (Myers) Dempsey. Gretchen lived in New Castle her entire life and graduated from New Castle High School in 1967. She retired from Central […] — (Posted September 30, 2020)

Roberta Gentry Roberta Gentry, age 96, formerly of Richmond, Indiana, died Monday, September 28, 2020, at Lynd Place in Muncie. Born August 20, 1924, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Kenneth and Losha Perry Holt, Roberta lived in Richmond and Muncie most of her life. She graduated from Richmond High School and attended Ivy Tech Community College and Ball […] — (Posted September 30, 2020)

Paul E. Niles Paul E. Niles, 85, of New Castle passed away Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Spring Mill Meadows in Indianapolis. He was born July 31, 1935 in New Castle, a son of the late Charles S. and Ida S. (Greer) Niles. A 1952 graduate of New Castle High School, he retired from Chrysler Corporation after 35 […] — (Posted September 29, 2020)

Lawrence Griffey Jr. Lawrence Griffey Jr., 89, passed away to be with his Lord on Friday, September 25, 2020 at IU Methodist Health in Indianapolis. Lawrence was born the 3rd child of Lawrence and Nancy (Gross) Griffey on January 09, 1931 at Louellen, Kentucky. Lawrence spent his childhood in the mountainous coal mining regions of Eastern Kentucky. He […] — (Posted September 29, 2020)

Bertie Lou Towler McKenna Local American Cancer Society advocate Bertie Lou Towler McKenna, 81, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Bertie was the daughter of the late Carols Owen and Margret Elizabeth Lyons Towler and was born on February 25, 1939. On August 1, 1951, Bertie went to live with V. Lois McKenna on her farm in rural Fayette […] — (Posted September 29, 2020)

Lawrence Griffey Jr. Lawrence Griffey Jr., 89, passed away to be with his Lord on Friday, September 25, 2020 at IU Methodist Health in Indianapolis. Lawrence was born the 3rd child of Lawrence and Nancy (Gross) Griffey on January 09, 1931at Louellen, Kentucky. Lawrence spent his childhood in the mountainous coal mining regions of Eastern Kentucky. He was […] — (Posted September 29, 2020)

Josephine Clark Josephine Clark, age 92, passed away Saturday, September 26, 2020, at Golden Living Center-Oak Park. She was born April 19, 1928, in Hamilton, Ohio, and had lived in Richmond all her adult life. She married Orville F. Clark in 1944. She loved and enjoyed spending time with her family. Survivors include her daughter: Vivian (Vicki) […] — (Posted September 29, 2020)

Thomas “Tom” Lee Edgell Thomas “Tom” Lee Edgell, 71, of Connersville, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2020 at his residence. He was born on July 29, 1949 in New Brighton, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, to Howard and Mary (Tucker) Edgell. As a child, Tom participated in the Christian Missionary Alliance with his family. He was a 1967 graduate of New […] — (Posted September 29, 2020)

Viola B. Stinson On Sunday September 27th, Viola B. Stinson, 95 of New Castle made it thru heavens pearly gates to join her loving family who was waiting for her with open arms and to worship her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Viola’s love for Jesus was always her testimony and she’s excited for the rest of her […] — (Posted September 29, 2020)

Jeffrey W. Rinehart Jeffrey W. Rinehart, age 48, of Greenfield, Indiana passed away peacefully at St. Vincent Hospital Saturday, September 26, 2020. Jeff was born in New Castle, August 17, 1972. He was the son of Bob (Carol) Rinehart and Connie (Dick) Masters. He grew up in Spiceland and was a 1991 graduate of Tri High School. While […] — (Posted September 29, 2020)

Larry Arthur Basford Larry Arthur Basford, age 81, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, September 25, 2020, at his home. Born May 20, 1939, in Blue Creek, Ohio, to Chester and Mary Jones Basford, Larry spent most of his life in Centerville and Richmond, Indiana, and Florida. He attended high school in Liberty and served in the U.S. Army. […] — (Posted September 29, 2020)

David L. Dearing David L. Dearing, age 86, of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, September 26, 2020, at Reid Health. Born April 13, 1934, in Cambridge City, Indiana, to Ray and Jessie Gethers Dearing, David was a life-long resident of Wayne County, Indiana. He graduated from Richmond High School. David retired from Wellings Toyota in 1999. He also worked […] — (Posted September 28, 2020)

Janene Gauker Janene Gauker, 91, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon September 25, 2020 at Bridgewater Healthcare in Carmel, Indiana. A daughter of the late Earl and Bessie (Bolen) Whipple, Janene was born in Cambridge City, Indiana on September 27, 1928. Janene was a lifelong resident of the Cambridge City community and graduated from high school there at […] — (Posted September 28, 2020)

Thomas Gregory Fisher Thomas Gregory Fisher, 73, of Losantville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 25, 2020 at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 12, 1946 to Ralph and Mildred Fisher, the youngest of seven children. He was married to the love his life, Debbie Fisher for […] — (Posted September 27, 2020)

Thelma M. Tompkins Thelma M. Tompkins, 84, of New Castle, passed away Saturday morning at Henry Community Health. She was born May 10, 1936 in New Castle, the daughter of the late Herman and Sylvia (McCormack) Jay. A 1954 graduate of New Castle High School, she enjoyed many different arts and crafts, including sewing, crocheting, gardening and canning. […] — (Posted September 27, 2020)

Willard Wilson “Bill” Baker Willard Wilson “Bill” Baker, 86, of New Castle passed away Friday, September 25, 2020 at his residence. Services will be held at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor C.J. Buskirk officiating. A private burial at Gardens of Memory in Muncie will be held at the convenience […] — (Posted September 27, 2020)

Jeffrey Blair Quillen Jeffrey Blair Quillen passed away Friday, September 25th after a long battle with M.S. and dementia. He was 65 years old. Jeff was born November 13th, 1954 to Charles F. Quillen and Margaret O. Quillen (VanWinkle). He had two sisters: Jayne Jackson (Quillen) and Jennifer Shoup (Quillen). He grew up in Mooresville, IN. He attended […] — (Posted September 27, 2020)

Doris I. Lilley Doris I. Lilley, 101, of Cambridge City passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at the home of her granddaughter. She was born on June 27, 1919 in Raubsville, PA to Walter and Susie J. Morris Clugston and had lived most of her life in Cambridge City. was a graduate of Lincoln High School. She […] — (Posted September 27, 2020)

Wanda Jean “Jeanie” Cox Clark Wanda Jean “Jeanie” Cox Clark, 76, of Connersville, passed peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones, on September 17, 2020. She fought a brief, but courageous battle with uterine cancer. Born in Connersville, Indiana on May 18, 1944 to the late Delma and Caroletta Paige Cox. Part of her childhood was spent growing up […] — (Posted September 25, 2020)

June Celeste Overdorf June Celeste Overdorf, age 93, of Richmond, Indiana, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Born October 8, 1926, in Galesburg, Illinois, to George and Gladys Williamson Shover, June grew up on a farm, where she developed a strong work ethic. June was a graduate of […] — (Posted September 25, 2020)

Duane K. Kissick Duane K. Kissick, 67, of Knightstown passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2020 at his residence. He was born August 9, 1953 in New Castle, the son of Milford Kash Kissick, Jr. and Eileen Ruth (Walker) Murray. Duane graduated from Knightstown High School and attended Murray State University. He was an avid golfer and member of […] — (Posted September 25, 2020)

Donald Eugene Donica Donald Eugene Donica, 80, resident of New Castle, passed away on September 22, 2020 at his home following a brief illness. He was born July 28, 1940 in New Castle, Indiana He attended New Castle Chrysler High School, graduating in 1958. While in high school, he worked at Marsh Supermarket as a bag carrier. Immediately […] — (Posted September 25, 2020)

William L. Thompson William L. Thompson, age 86, of Richmond, Indiana, died Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. Born July 4, 1934, in Dayton, Ohio, to William Edward and Mary Laura Scheidler Thompson, William lived in Wayne County, Indiana, most of his life. He retired from The York Group, Inc. in 1996 and […] — (Posted September 25, 2020)

Evelyn Esther Creek Evelyn Esther Creek passed away peacefully, at the age of 100 years, on September 23, 2020. She was born October 29, 1919 to Ralph and Elizabeth Ferguson in Benton County Indiana. She grew up on the family Heritage Farm in Benton County that her grandfather purchased, from the State of Indiana, upon his arrival from […] — (Posted September 24, 2020)

Kenneth Dishman Kenneth Dishman, 80, of Indianapolis and formerly of New Castle passed away Monday September 21, 2020 at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born on May 11, 1940 in New Castle, one of eight children to the late Earnest and Lora (Edwards) Dishman. Kenneth was a graduate of New Castle Chrysler High […] — (Posted September 24, 2020)

Susan Dianna Thompson Susan Dianna Thompson, age 51, a New Castle resident passed away Sunday, September 20, 2020 at Henry Community Health. She was born November 22, 1968 in Danville, Illinois, a daughter of James Juel Jackson, Jr., and Betty Jean Hancock. She had resided in New Castle for many years and was a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) […] — (Posted September 24, 2020)