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.

Mary Jane Cole A beautiful event occurred recently that we, the children of Mary Jane Cole, want to share with everyone. We feel blessed to report that God’s angels visited our mother and escorted her through the gates of Heaven, where she once again joined her mother, Rose Stella, her father Guiseppe, her brother John, her sister, Virginia, […] — (Posted February 2, 2020)

Reba D. Campbell WILLIAMSBURG, Ind. – Reba D. Campbell, age 78, of Williamsburg, Indiana, died after a lengthy illness Friday, January 31, 2020, surrounded by her family. Born March 16, 1941, in Crossville, Tennessee, to Spencer and Siddie Woody Taylor, Reba lived in Wayne County, Indiana, for 60 years. She was a 1958 graduate of Crossville High School. […] — (Posted February 1, 2020)

Bob Murley Bob Murley, age 73 years, a resident of rural Grantsburg, Illinois (the Benton community), passed away unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon, January 22, 2020, at 3:43 PM at his home. Bob was born December 9, 1946 in New Castle, Indiana. He was the son of John Clyde and Elma (Knipp) Murley. On February 1, 1969, Bob was […] — (Posted January 31, 2020)

Erica L. McCarty-Grimes RICHMOND, Ind. – Erica L. McCarty-Grimes, age 61, of Richmond, Indiana, died Thursday, January 30, 2020, at her home. Born December 6, 1958, in Connersville, Indiana, to Donald Eugene and Evelyn Coon Finch, Erica moved to Richmond when she was a teen. She attended Richmond High School. Erica was an ordained minister. She retired as […] — (Posted January 31, 2020)

John Merl Russell John Merl Russell, was born October 2, 1943 in Wayne County, Indiana. The son of John H. Russell and Barbara E. Russell. As a teen John Merl went to Test school, he then finished his studies in Vandalia, Ohio. In 1961, he joined the Marines where he received an honorable discharge due to flat feet. […] — (Posted January 31, 2020)

Peggy Lester Casada Spargo TAMPA, Fla. – Peggy Lester Casada Spargo, age 86, formerly of Richmond, Indiana, died peacefully with her daughter and son-in-law by her side on Sunday, January 26, 2020, after suffering a fall at the memory care facility in Tampa where she was living. Peggy was born on February 11, 1933, in Murray, Kentucky, to Theodore […] — (Posted January 31, 2020)

Lorri Lynn Cela Lorri Lynn Cela, age 57, passed away at Reid Health on January 30, 2020. She was born September 21, 1962, to Lesley and Lynda Dunn in Richmond, Indiana. Lorri had lived in Wayne County most of her life. She loved listening to music, cooking, and enjoyed going camping in Florida. She was an avid collector […] — (Posted January 31, 2020)

Johnny L. Smith Johnny L. Smith, 84, of Richmond, IN and formerly of Preble County, OH and former 11 year resident of Athens, AL; passed away early Wednesday morning, January 29, 2020. Born on July 1, 1935 in Knox County, KY, he was the 3rd of 8 children born to the now late Oscar and Lillie Della (Murray) […] — (Posted January 30, 2020)

Carlie B. Thomas Carlie B. Thomas, age 72, passed away at Reid Health on January 22, 2020. He was born October 23, 1947, to Bertha Thomas in Manchester, Kentucky. Carlie had lived in Wayne County most of his life. He had worked at Richmond Wayne Works until their closing; and then he worked for many years at Apple […] — (Posted January 30, 2020)

Donna S. Smock RICHMOND, Ind. – Donna S. Smock, age 67, of Richmond, Indiana, finished her walk on earth and began her new one in Heaven with the Lord Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family. Born September 5, 1952, in Richmond, Indiana, to Elmer Marvin and Janice Ileen Brown Bostick, Donna was a […] — (Posted January 30, 2020)

Roy Eugene Beasley Roy Eugene Beasley, 92, formerly of Connersville, a resident of Greenwood, Indiana, since March of 2018, passed away late Sunday evening, January 26, 2020 at Franciscan Hospice House, Indianapolis. He was born on September 7, 1927 in Bedford, Indiana, and was raised by his grandparents. On June 30, 1949, Roy married the former Alma E. […] — (Posted January 29, 2020)

Preston Everett “Butch” Ferrell Jr. Preston Everett “Butch” Ferrell Jr., age 66, a New Castle resident, passed away Saturday January 25, 2020. He was born May 9, 1953, in New Castle, IN, a son of the late Preston Everett and Lillian Vincent Ferrell. He had lived in New Castle all of his life and attended New Castle schools. Butch has […] — (Posted January 29, 2020)

Mary Elizabeth McCullum Mary Elizabeth (Spotts) McCullum of Noblesville, Indiana passed away on January 24, 2020. Mary was born on December 13, 1932 to Allen F Spotts and Louise E (Tice) Spotts on their farm in Wayne County, Indiana. She attended Centerville High School where she graduated in 1951 and went on to earn both her Bachelor of […] — (Posted January 28, 2020)

Toby Ann Tubesing Maze Toby Ann Tubesing Maze, age 81, formerly of Brownsville, passed away on January 25, 2020 while a resident at Christina Place in Franklin, IN. Toby was born on July 31, 1938 in Richmond, IN to the late Verlin Tubesing and Lucille Setser Tubesing. On May 19, 1957, she married Lowell R. Maze in Richmond, IN. […] — (Posted January 28, 2020)

Robert J. “Bob” Lawrence Robert J. “Bob” Lawrence, age 87, of New Paris, Ohio, passed away at 4:30 PM on Friday, January 24, 2020, in the ER at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. Bob was born April 17, 1932, in Braffetsville, Ohio to the late Elmer & Margie (Balling) Lawrence. In addition to his parents, Bob was also preceded […] — (Posted January 28, 2020)

Kenneth “Ken” J. Abernathy Kenneth “Ken” J. Abernathy, 87, of New Madison, Ohio passed away late Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at the State of the Heart Care Center in Greenville, Ohio. He was born on October 11, 1932, in Greenville, to the late Kenneth, Sr. and Marjorie (West) Abernathy. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death […] — (Posted January 28, 2020)

N. Maxine Burt N. Maxine Burt, 92, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2020, at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville. She was born on August 27, 1927, in Hollansburg, Ohio, to the late Marcus and Ruth (Lodenslager) Spencer. In addition to her parents, Maxine is preceded in death by her husband, Howard B. Burt, […] — (Posted January 28, 2020)

Ronald Joseph Kerrigan Ronald Joseph Kerrigan, age 82, of Greenfield passed away January 23, 2020 at Greenfield Healthcare. He was born November 16, 1937 in Muncie, Indiana to the late Harold J. and Thelma M. (Osborn) (Kerrigan) Busby. Ron was a 1955 graduate of GOV I P Gray High School. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at […] — (Posted January 28, 2020)

Paul M. Ewen Mr. Paul M. Ewen, 80, of Fountain City, passed away in the comfort of his home on Monday, January 27. Paul was born on May 7, 1939 in Clay City, Kentucky to Everett Clay and Callie Lee Ewen. He worked in a brick factory in Kentucky and was formerly a salesman for Cook Coffee and […] — (Posted January 28, 2020)

Lois E. Kaler RICHMOND, Ind. – Lois E. Kaler, age 91, of Richmond, Indiana, died Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at Reid Health. Born May 21, 1928, in Saline City, Indiana, to Jonas Albert and Edith Leola Nicoson Burns, Lois moved to Richmond in 1960. She retired from Burns Dentistry, where she worked as a dental assistant. Lois was […] — (Posted January 28, 2020)

James Thomas “Jim” Ringley RICHMOND, Ind. – James Thomas “Jim” Ringley, age 71, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, January 24, 2020, at Reid Health. Born January 12, 1949, in Richmond, Indiana, to Robert E. and Dorothy M. Corder Ringley, Jim was a life-long resident of Wayne County. He graduated from Centerville High School. Jim worked in maintenance at many […] — (Posted January 28, 2020)

Wilma Dingle Wilma Dingle, 88, of Richmond went home to be with the Lord January 25, 2020. She was born July 5, 1931 in Sparta, Tennessee, to Herbert and Lela Mae Demps Bumbalough and lived here most of her life. She retired from Belden Corporation. Wilma was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed painting, sewing, playing […] — (Posted January 28, 2020)

Justin Michael “Buck” McNamara Justin Michael “Buck” McNamara, 39, died unexpectedly on January 17th, 2020. He was preceded in death by his sister Nicole, Mother Shirley Dale McNamara, Father Troy Berry, Stepdad Phillip L. Smith, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Justin was an incredibly artistic individual with a strong love for music. Drawing, fishing, cracking jokes, spending time with […] — (Posted January 28, 2020)

Loretta L. Cochran Loretta L. Cochran, 89, of New Lisbon, passed away Friday, January 24, 2020, at her residence. She was born September 4, 1930, in Englewood, Tennessee, the daughter of Lige and Vesta (Isbell) Watson. Loretta was a loving wife and mother and was a friend to all. She was a very giving woman. Her home was […] — (Posted January 27, 2020)

Linda Frances (Lakes) Hall In the early morning hours of Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 4:30 a.m., Linda, my mom, took her last breath on this earth and received her Golden Wings to Heaven with myself and her daughter-in-law Renee by her side holding her hands. She passed at Reid Health Hospital in Richmond, Indiana, due to multiple organ […] — (Posted January 27, 2020)

David Hubble ANDERSON – David Hubble, 78, went home to be with his Lord and wife on Thursday morning January 23, 2020. David was born in Dayton, Ohio, on February 9, 1941. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Minnie and John Hubble, in Milton, Indiana, and graduated from Milton High School in 1960. David worked […] — (Posted January 26, 2020)

Russell Dwain “Grizz” Haler DUBLIN – Russell Dwain “Grizz” Haler, 64, went home to heaven to be with his parents and his sister on Friday morning January 24, 2020. A son of the late William Joseph and Frances Yvonne (Huskey) Haler, Russell was born in Richmond, Indiana, on October 6, 1955. Formerly of Pennville, Russell and his wife have […] — (Posted January 26, 2020)

Gary Lee Crow Gary Lee Crow, 77, (August 12, 1942 – January 23, 2020) died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Thursday, January 23rd, following a long fight with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lois Crow, children Karen Regan (husband Chris Regan), David Crow, Lora Moore (husband Dave Moore) and […] — (Posted January 26, 2020)

James L. Jordan Sr. James L. Jordan Sr. age 71, passed away January 23, 2020 at home. Born in Richmond, IN on Feb 17, 1948 to Arthur and Ruth Jordan. Attended Richmond High School, served in the U.S. Army. Served two tours in VietNam and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star for Valor. He was a life […] — (Posted January 26, 2020)

Clare Louise (Mayer) Dant On January 22, 2020, Clare Louise Dant, loving wife and mother of eleven, passed away at the age of 90. Clare was born on January 6, 1930 in Richmond, IN, the youngest child of Herbert and Henrietta (Tegeder) Mayer. She graduated from Richmond High School in 1947 and attended Earlham College. On September 29, 1956, […] — (Posted January 26, 2020)