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.

Wilbur (Bill) Kutche Wilbur (Bill) Kutche, 94, of Richmond passed away Sunday May 12, 2019. He was born in Dayton, Ohio on July 29, 1924, to James and Florence Parr Kutche. He worked at Hoffco for more than 20 years before retiring in 1988. He is survived by children; Cheryl Kaufman, Donna Walter, Gary Kutche, and Jim Kutche; […] — (Posted May 14, 2019)

Amber Whitfield KNIGHTSTOWN- Amber Whitfield, 37, of Beech Grove, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Indianapolis. She was born on July 13, 1981, in Greenfield, Indiana, a daughter of Reginald and Rhonda (Roland) Whitfield. Amber attended Knightstown High School. She was very athletic, loved swimming and skating. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family. She […] — (Posted May 14, 2019)

Tonita Michele Bridgeforth Tonita Michele Bridgeforth, 48, of Richmond, Indiana passed away on May 7, 2019. She was born October 13, 1970, in Richmond, Indiana to Roma Bridgeforth. She graduated from Richmond High School in 1988, she accepted Christ at an early age, she was employed at Applebee’s in Richmond for several years, she was a dedicated Miami […] — (Posted May 13, 2019)

Karen S. Davis Karen S. Davis, age 52, of Centerville, passed away at Reid Health on May 7, 2019. She was born March 10, 1967, to James and Barbara Davis in Richmond, Indiana. She leaves to cherish her memory: five siblings, brother: James (Robin) Davis; sisters: Vicky Taylor, Debbie Davis, Teresa Davis and Pamela Strunk; six nieces and […] — (Posted May 13, 2019)

Raymond B. Turner RICHMOND, Ind. – Raymond B. Turner, age 94, of Pleasantville, Ohio, died Saturday, May 11, 2019, at Friends Fellowship Community in Richmond, Indiana. Born March 18, 1925, in Lancaster, Ohio, to John and Clara Turner, Raymond graduated from Pleasantville High School in Pleasantville, Ohio. He retired after 25 years from Western Electric in Columbus, Ohio, […] — (Posted May 13, 2019)

Ruby Jean Clark RICHMOND, Ind. – Ruby Jean Clark, age 87, of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, May 11, 2019, at Reid Health. Born April 30, 1932, in Nicholasville, Kentucky, to Louis and Beatrice Humphrey Murphy, Ruby lived in Liberty most of her life and moved back to Richmond five years ago. She worked as a home health aide […] — (Posted May 13, 2019)

Norma L. Hardwick Wright Norma L. Hardwick Wright, 82, of Richmond, passed away on Sunday, May 12 at Reid Health. Norma was born on December 6, 1936 in Modoc, Indiana to Harry and Emma E. Barnes Hardwick. She was a graduate of Fountain City High School and attended IU East. Norma was a secretary most of her working life. […] — (Posted May 13, 2019)

Gwendolyn Sue Cavin Gwendolyn Sue Cavin passed away peacefully on May 11, 2019, at Reid Health. She was a native of Wayne County, Indiana, and spent several years living in Fountain City and the Richmond, Indiana, area. She was born Feb 9, 1941. She was a 1959 graduate of Williamsburg High School. She married the love of her […] — (Posted May 13, 2019)

James Baumgartner NEW CASTLE- James Baumgartner, 74, passed away Thursday afternoon May 2nd, 2019 at Addison Place in New Castle, Indiana. Jim was born June 9th, 1944 in Henry County, north of New Castle, Indiana to the late Earl Joe and Avis Marie (Rogers) Baumgartner. James was raised in the New Lisbon area, where he graduated from […] — (Posted May 13, 2019)

Hershel D. Ankrom, Jr. Hershel D. Ankrom, Jr., was born in New Castle, Indiana, on October 28, 1928. He passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019, at the Indiana Veterans’ Home in West Lafayette. Ankrom was the son of Hershel D. Ankrom and Minnie May Fraizer Ankrom, both of whom were educators and engaged in farming. He had one […] — (Posted May 13, 2019)

Daniel J. Phillips Daniel J. Phillips, 92, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, after an extensive battle with multiple health problems. Dan was born at home, in Arba, Indiana, on October 6, 1926, to the late Leonard Curtis and Carrie (Schneck) Phillips. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded […] — (Posted May 13, 2019)

Helen (Steele) Clark Helen (Steele) Clark, age 93, of Richmond, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, following an extended illness. Helen was born March 7, 1926 to Roy and Isa Steele. Helen is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Doris Kress, and brothers, Robert, Ralph, Earl, Carl, and Howard. She is survived by her nieces and […] — (Posted May 13, 2019)

Charles Edward Conley Charles Edward Conley, 80, of Richmond died at his home in the comfort of his family. He was born November 21, 1938, in Carlisle, Kentucky to Walter and Wanda Barker Conley, raised in Arba he lived in Richmond most of his life. He retired from Johns-Manville Corporation as head of the Maintenance Department. He was […] — (Posted May 12, 2019)

George Allen Smith George Allen Smith, age 72, of Richmond passed away on Wednesday (May 8, 2019) at Reid Hospital. George was born on August 28, 1946, to John and Frances Jett Smith in Muncie, Indiana. On May 9, 1970, George married the love of his life, Linda Stolle, at St. Andrew Catholic Church. George was a veteran […] — (Posted May 12, 2019)

Edith Pearl Greene Miller Devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-great grandmother Edith Pearl Greene Miller, age 89 of Fountain City, Indiana, passed away at Rosebud Village in Richmond, Indiana, on May 9, 2019. Edith suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for the last few years and passed from complications. She was born July 1, 1929 in Friendsville, Tennessee. Edith worked at […] — (Posted May 12, 2019)

Donald J. “Jerry” Fisher Donald J. “Jerry” Fisher, 84, a lifelong Losantville resident, died Sunday, May 5, 2019 at The Waters of New Castle. In accordance with Jerry’s wishes, there will be no public services. Arrangements were announced by Culberson Funeral Home, Hagerstown. — (Posted May 12, 2019)

Richard Sharpe “Dick” Ryder LINCOLN, Neb. – Richard Sharpe “Dick” Ryder, age 95, formerly of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, April 19, 2019, at Clark Jeary Assisted Living in Lincoln, Nebraska. Dick was born on December 24, 1923, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Rex Joseph and Katherine Sharpe Ryder. He was a 1942 graduate of Parkersburg High School in West Virginia […] — (Posted May 12, 2019)

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)