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.

Condy R. L. Crabtree Condy R. L. Crabtree, 56, of Richmond passed away early Monday morning, May 6, 2019, at Forest Park Health Campus, Richmond. One of five children of Condy R.L., Sr. and Ventrice Harrison Crabtree, Condy was born on July 17, 1962. A graduate of Connersville High School, Condy was employed at Custom Extrusion for twelve years. […] — (Posted May 8, 2019)

Herman Charles Bennett God has written an exquisite story for his servant Herman Charles Bennett. He was born to the late Joseph and Hellene Bennett in Richmond, Indiana on September 24, 1957. He departed from his earthly journey on April 30, 2019, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He led a strong and independent life despite his blindness. Herman preferred to […] — (Posted May 8, 2019)

Joe Keith Joe Keith, 60, of New Castle, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2019. He was born February 3, 1959 in Leonardtown, Maryland, to the late Jim and Jane (Hance) Keith. He grew up in Millville, IN and was a 1977 graduate of Hagerstown High School, where he played basketball. Joe shared his love of horses with […] — (Posted May 8, 2019)

Ernest Donald “Ernie” Cooper RICHMOND, Ind. – Ernest Donald “Ernie” Cooper, age 85, of Richmond, Indiana, went to be with the Lord Saturday, May 4, 2019, at his home. Born January 28, 1934, in Rushville, Indiana, to Albert and Laura Richey Cooper, Ernie lived in Wayne County most of his life. He served in the United States Marine Corps. […] — (Posted May 8, 2019)

Rosella Van Winkle Rosella Van Winkle, 73, of Richmond, passed away Monday, May 6 at Reid Health. Rosella was born on September 9, 1945 in Mount Vernon, Kentucky to Benny and Dorothy McCracken Rowland. She married Arnold Van Winkle 53 years ago on March 15, 1966. Rosella was a beautician and homemaker. She enjoyed cooking for her family […] — (Posted May 7, 2019)

Jack Lee Lasley Jack Lee Lasley, 78, of Richmond died in his home May 5, 2019, after a long illness. He was born December 24, 1940, in Winchester to Glen David and Mary Esther Davis Lasley and lived here most of his life. He was a welder at York Casket. He was a member of the National Rifle […] — (Posted May 7, 2019)

Catherine N. Webb Catherine N. Webb, 95, of Cambridge City, passed away Monday May 6, 2019, at Ambassador Healthcare in Centerville. She was born on July 1, 1923, in Hamilton, Ohio to Adolph and Catherine (Jerdon) Reiff. In 1959, the Webb family moved to Cambridge City and she lived the rest of her life in this area. Catherine […] — (Posted May 7, 2019)

Paul Edward Harvey Paul Edward Harvey, age 50, passed away unexpectedly on April 29, 2019, at his home in Canton, Georgia. Paul was born on February 20, 1969, in New Castle, Indiana, to Ron Harvey and Mary Hamm Conley. In addition to his parents, Paul is survived by his dearly beloved Kimberly Hardage of Canton, GA; sisters Sherry […] — (Posted May 7, 2019)

Nancy E. Roddy Nancy E. Roddy, 95, of Richmond went home to be with the Lord May 3, 2019, at Forest Park Health Campus. She was born August 20, 1923, in Rock Castle County, Kentucky, to Melvin L. and Rachel Creech Jennings and lived here most of her life. Nancy retired from Cox’s markets after working 18 years […] — (Posted May 6, 2019)

Wendy Joelle (Poynter) Brod Wendy Joelle (Poynter) Brod, age 45, passed away on April 1, 2019, while surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born on January 12, 1974, to Michael Poynter and Sherry (Rengers) Poynter. Wendy fought a good fight and every time something came up, she would always smile, not be angry, and continue to […] — (Posted May 6, 2019)

Shirley Ann Pipenger CENTERVILLE, Ind. – Shirley Ann Pipenger, age 70, of Centerville, Indiana, died Saturday, May 4, 2019, at her home surrounded by family. Shirley was born on December 17, 1948, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and she was the daughter of James D. and Eulalah Scott Nelson. Shirley was a life-long resident of Wayne County. She attended Williamsburg […] — (Posted May 6, 2019)

B.W. “Mac” McGunegill B.W. “Mac” McGunegill, 85, of Winchester, passed away on Saturday, May 4. He was born in Richmond, Indiana, on May 20, 1933, to William Reuben & Fern Rose McGunegill, both of whom preceded him in death. He was a 1951 graduate of Lynn High School, receiving the Lynn Lions Club Sportsmanship Award that year, and […] — (Posted May 4, 2019)

James Matthew Green GREENS FORK, Ind. – James Matthew Green, age 56, of Greens Fork, Indiana, passed away Friday, May 3, 2019, due to complications from cancer. James was born in Harris County, Texas, on March 22, 1963, to Robert Paul and Alice Marie Ramsey Green. He was employed by East Central Electric in Marion, Indiana, where he […] — (Posted May 4, 2019)

James W. “Jim” Fahlsing RICHMOND, Ind. – James W. “Jim” Fahlsing, age 80, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, May 3, 2019, at Reid Health. Born May 29, 1938, in Richmond, Indiana, to William August and Mildred Anne Wettig Fahlsing, Jim was a life-long resident of Richmond. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1956. Jim served in the United […] — (Posted May 4, 2019)

Wanda Hawkins RICHMOND, Ind. – Wanda Hawkins, age 89, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, May 3, 2019, at Ambassador Healthcare. Born March 18, 1930, in Campbellsburg, Indiana, to Lee Vance and Ruby Gladys Rosenbaum Batt, Wanda lived in Richmond most of her life. She was a 1949 graduate of Richmond High School. Wanda worked with her husband, […] — (Posted May 3, 2019)

Lowell Eugene Fisher Jr. Lowell Eugene Fisher Jr., age 73, of Richmond, passed away Wednesday (May 1, 2019) after a long illness surrounded by his family. Lowell was born on September 6, 1945, in Richmond, Indiana, to Lowell Eugene Sr. and Lyda Elizabeth Fisher. He was a 1963 graduate of Richmond High School. He did his undergraduate work at […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

Johnnie Mae Hunter Johnnie Mae Hunter was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 26, 2019. She was a loving wife, dedicated mother, and faithful church member throughout her life. Johnnie was born January 13, 1943 in Goodwater, Alabama, to John and Elizabeth Leverette. Johnnie met her Husband Charles (Bobby) Hunter in Birmingham, AL and […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

James E. Sudhoff James E. Sudhoff, 93, of Connersville, died Monday evening, April 29, 2019, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. A Richmond native, James was born October 29, 1925, to Edmund A. and Martha J. Jones Sudhoff. Following graduation from Boston High School in Wayne County, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. James attained the rank […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

Keith E. Pickering Keith Edward Pickering, 52, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away on April 28, 2019. He was born June 11, 1966, in Richmond, to Joseph and Doris Gard Pickering. Keith had a love for his family and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He is survived by his spouse of 26 years Kimberly Pickering; his children Joseph […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

Michael Phenis Michael Phenis passed away at St. Vincent Hospital, Friday, April 26, 2019, after a short illness. He was the son of Herman Phenis and Shirley Knox. He leaves behind his sisters: Janet Johnson and Teresa (Marty) Coyle, both of Richmond; nieces: Nichole (Chad) Mann and Barbara (Matt) Sullivan; nephews: Dale Croley and Collin Johnson; great […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

Richard L. Johnson RICHMOND, Ind. – Richard L. Johnson, age 84, of Richmond, Indiana, died Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at Golden Living Center-Golden Rule. Born March 3, 1935, in Wayne County, Indiana, to Jesse and Hazel Frank Johnson, Richard was a life-long resident of this community. He retired from Haisley’s Moving Company after 40 years of service. Richard […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

Shirley M. Wright RICHMOND, Ind. – Shirley M. Wright, age 81, of Richmond, Indiana, died Monday, April 29, 2019, at her home. Born July 21, 1937, in Richmond, Indiana, to John and Nora Hickman Wright, Shirley was a life-long resident of this community. She retired from Ernst Concrete after serving as an accountant for 20 years and had […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

Dolores Ruth Elstro CENTERVILLE, Ind. – Dolores Ruth Elstro, age 103, of Centerville, Indiana, died Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Forest Park Health Campus. Born February 9, 1916, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Robert and Pearl Strebe Ince, Dolores lived in Wayne County most of her life. She graduated from Morton High School. Dolores retired from Elstro Oil Product, […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

Beulah M. Rosier Beulah M. Rosier, age 85 of Richmond, Indiana passed away on Monday (April 29, 2019) at Golden Rule. She was born on May 16, 1933, in Lexington, Kentucky to Thomas and Rosie McDaniel Moore. Beulah enjoyed life to the fullest and was a great mother. She loved to crochet, grow vegetable gardens and was an […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

Darrell Lee Gulley Darrell Lee Gulley, 49, of Connersville passed away unexpected Monday, April 29, 2019. He was born June 4, 1969 in Connersville, the youngest of ten children of Shelby “Pete” and Ruth Ann Klemme Gulley. Lee attended both Connersville High School and the Whitewater Valley Area Vocational School where he studied welding. For over 30 years, […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

Franco Ramasso Valacca CAMBRIDGE CITY- Franco Ramasso Valacca, 55, passed away at his home in Cambridge City on Saturday afternoon April 27, 2019. Franco was born to Italian aristocrat parents, the late Alberto and Francesca Ramasso Valacca in Casablanca, Morocco, on May 20, 1963. He came to the United States over 20 years ago and worked as an […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

Mary E. Smith Mary E. Smith, 92, of Cambridge City, passed away on April 30, 2019, at Reid Health. She was born on April 29, 1927, in Lynn, IN the daughter of Floyd D. and Alma Marie Martz Benson. Mary loved to cook so much that no one ever left her home hungry and she was a cook […] — (Posted May 2, 2019)

Mildred E. Decker Ryan Mildred E. Decker Ryan passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2019, with family at her side, and is now at peace with her Lord and Savior. She was born November 20, 1921, to Bertie E. and Nellie Tiffany Decker of Richmond, Indiana. Mildred graduated from Richmond High School, class of 1940, which was the first […] — (Posted April 30, 2019)

Henrietta Joyce Ripberger Henrietta Joyce Ripberger, 83, of Connersville passed away peacefully on Monday morning, April 29, 2019, surrounded by her loving family at her home. One of three children of Henry David and Matilda Ann Schmidt Brunsman, Henrietta was born in Connersville on March 15, 1936. She attended St. Gabriel School and graduated from Oldenburg Academy of […] — (Posted April 30, 2019)

Gloria Lee Conn DALEVILLE, Ind. – Gloria Lee Conn, age 82, formerly of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, April, 27, 2019, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Middletown, Indiana. Born March 22, 1937, in Hartford City, Indiana, to Glen Eugene and Helen G. Warner Shoults, Gloria lived in Richmond most of her life. She retired from the Richmond State Hospital […] — (Posted April 30, 2019)