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. You can also learn about how to place a paid obituary in the Western Wayne News.
Aubrey Jeanne Gibbs Aubrey Jeanne Gibbs, 99, of Richmond, IN, died peacefully in her home at Friends Fellowship Community on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Jeanne, as she preferred to be called, was born Feb. 11, 1926, in Mineral Wells, Texas, to Sim Joe and Aubrey “Aubrigean” Bowden Fletcher Smith. The family then moved to New Rochelle, New York, […] — (Posted May 5, 2025)
Teresa Schrader DUBLIN- Teresa Ann Schrader left this earth on Wednesday evening April 30,  2025 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born in New Castle, Indiana on June 23, 1959 to the late Donn and Sue (Todd) Darter. She was employed by Western Wayne School Corporation for 33 years as a Special Needs bus […] — (Posted May 4, 2025)
Betty T. Cashner Betty Todd Cashner, a lifetime resident of New Castle, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, May 3, 2025, at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. She was 101. Betty was born on September 1, 1923, to William Henry Todd and Nettie Williams Todd. She graduated from New Castle High School in 1942 and is one of […] — (Posted May 4, 2025)
Hewey Duane Coffey, Jr. Obituary Pending There are no public services. Following cremation, burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Community Family Funeral Home has been View full obituary — (Posted May 3, 2025)
Howard Dean Flory Howard Dean Flory, age 79, of West Alexandria, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025 at his residence. He was born May 8, 1945 in Kansas to the late Henry D. and Ruth Ellen (Long) Flory. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant grandson Keith Filbrun; infant great grandchild […] — (Posted May 2, 2025)
Jeffrey Bryan Troth Jeffrey Bryan Troth, age 59, of Gratis, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. He was born on October 10, 1965, in Muncie, Indiana, to Norman and Catherine Troth. Jeff was a 1984 graduate of Preble Shawnee High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University. He had a […] — (Posted May 2, 2025)
Shirley Anne Evans Shirley Anne Evans, 80, of Rushville, passed away Thursday afternoon, May 1, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent of Indianapolis. A daughter of Harry and Gladys Richardson Herbert, Shirley was born August 30, 1944, in Connersville, and graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1962. Shirley dedicated many years as a bartender for the […] — (Posted May 2, 2025)
Larry J. Austin The family of Larry Joseph Austin announces his passing on April 30, 2025 at the age of 73. Larry was born in New Castle, IN to Francis and June (Ross) Austin. He grew up in Fountain City, IN and graduated from Northeastern High School in 1969. He met his future wife, Brenda (Miller) Austin on […] — (Posted May 2, 2025)
Donald M. Van Patten Donald M. Van Patten, 78, of Richmond, passed away May 2, 2025, at Reid Health. He was born April 5, 1947, in Hamilton, Ohio to View full obituary — (Posted May 2, 2025)
Donald G. Houser Donald G. Houser, age 80, of Eaton, OH passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Vancrest of Eaton Health Care Center. He was born November 20, 1944 in Hamilton, OH to the late Carl and Mary Houser. Don was a 1962 graduate of Eaton High School and attended The Ohio State University. He retired […] — (Posted May 2, 2025)
Amy J. Holman Pending View full obituary — (Posted May 2, 2025)
Juanita Jones Juanita Jones 95, of Richmond, IN passed away Thursday May 1, 2025 at Reid Health. She was born on December 29, 1929 to the late View full obituary — (Posted May 2, 2025)
Shawn Cross Shawn Cross, 57 of Richmond, lost his long battle with melanoma cancer May 1, 2025 at Reid Health. He was born September 14, 1967, in View full obituary — (Posted May 1, 2025)
Paul D. Staggs Paul D. Staggs, 87, of New Castle, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis following a brief illness. He was born on June 28, 1937, in Muncie, Indiana, a son of the late Earl William Staggs and Ethel Jane (Adams) Brown. Paul was a proud American who served […] — (Posted May 1, 2025)
Dwight Elva Newton Dwight Elva Newton, 77, of Richmond, passed away Sunday evening, April 27, 2025. One of nine children of Elva and Marjorie Rowe Newton, Dwight was born in Rush County, Indiana on November 2, 1947. Dwight served his country with distinction in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Captain and […] — (Posted May 1, 2025)
William R. Meyer William R. Meyer passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Bethel Point Healthcare in Muncie following a long illness. He was born on May 11, 1947, in Dayton, Ohio, a son of the late Glen and Catherine (Thomas) Meyer. Bill served in the US Army in Korea on the DMZ. He was the owner […] — (Posted April 30, 2025)
Rita Pierce CAMBRIDGE CITY-  Rita Maureen Pierce, 86, passed away Tuesday morning April 29, 2025 at the Willows of New Castle. A daughter of the late Lawrence and Amy (Hess) Dolan, Rita was born in Richmond, Indiana on July 8, 1938.  A lifelong resident of Cambridge City, Rita was a graduate of Lincoln High School class of […] — (Posted April 30, 2025)
Philip L. Rexrode Philip L. Rexrode, age 88 of Eaton, Ohio died Tuesday, April 28, 2025, at Indiana University Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. Born on February 2, 1937, in Preble County, Ohio he was the son of the late Otho & Dorothy (Rodeffer) Rexrode. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1955 and had served in the […] — (Posted April 29, 2025)
Ellis “Bud” R. Harding Jr. Pending View full obituary — (Posted April 29, 2025)
Diana Kaye Fox Diana Kaye Fox, 75, of Liberty, passed away Monday evening, April 28, 2025, at Reid Health of Richmond. A daughter of Clifford Allen and Eleanor Congelton McQuinley, Diana was born August 8, 1949, in Connersville, and graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1967. Diana worked on the assembly line at Ford Visteon […] — (Posted April 29, 2025)
Terry Lee Thompson Pending View full obituary — (Posted April 29, 2025)
Wathalene M. Rasner Wathalene M. Rasner, 88, of Richmond, went to Heaven on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Rosebud Village in Richmond. She was born on October 27, View full obituary — (Posted April 28, 2025)
Karen Smith Karen Smith Karen Sue Smith, 82, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away peacefully at Reid Health on April 16, 2025, following a brief illness. Born and raised in Wayne County, Karen dedicated her life to serving others and remained a part of her community throughout the years. Karen operated a group home for many years through Dunn Mental […] — (Posted April 28, 2025)
Linda Darlene Shaffer Obituary Pending Graveside services will be held at Goshen Cemetery, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 3:00 PM, with Rev. Terry Gibson officiating. Send online condolences View full obituary — (Posted April 28, 2025)
Dennis Ragan  NEW LISBON-  Dennis K. Ragan, 78,  of New Lisbon, passed away Friday evening April 25, 2025 at I.U. Ball Hospital in Muncie, Indiana following a courageous battle with cancer. A son of the late John and Lillie Pearl (Jones) Ragan, Dennis was born in New Castle, Indiana on June 26, 1946.  He attended New Lisbon […] — (Posted April 28, 2025)
Brandon Allen Gill Brandon Allen Gill, 49, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Connersville early Sunday morning, April 27, 2025. A son of Ronnie Ray and Jan Rose (Taylor) Gill, Brandon was born in Connersville on October 2, 1975. On March 26, 1999, he married the former Amanda Hager in Metamora. Mrs. Gill survives. Professionally, Brandon was […] — (Posted April 28, 2025)
Sandra Jo Rothert Sandra Jo Rothert went home to her Lord and Savior on April 26, 2025, at Reid Health in Richmond at the age of 76. She View full obituary — (Posted April 28, 2025)
Elsie May Zepernick RICHMOND, Ind. – Elsie May Zepernick, age 93, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, April 25, 2025, at Arbor Trace. Born May 11, 1931, in Cardiff, Wales, to Charles and Elsie M. Cox Palmer, Elsie had lived in Richmond since 1974. She was an avid Willie Nelson fan, enjoyed gardening, and was an excellent seamstress, sewing […] — (Posted April 28, 2025)
Eva G. Lamott RICHMOND, Ind. – Eva G. Lamott, age 101, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, April 25, 2025, at Reid Health. Born June 11, 1923, in Laurel, Indiana, to Thomas and Joanna Hite Johnson, Eva married Alvin E. Lamott on September 1, 1946. They lived in Cambridge City until 1969, when they moved to Richmond. Eva worked […] — (Posted April 28, 2025)
Ruth Nadine Taylor RICHMOND, Ind. – Ruth “Nadine” Taylor, age 91, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, April 25, 2025, at Ambassador Healthcare surrounded by loved ones. Born September 24, 1933, in Whittington, Illinois, to Roy and Lilly Barnfield Williams, Nadine was a life-long resident of this area. She was employed at Nettle Creek Industries for over 20 years […] — (Posted April 28, 2025)