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.

Carol Poe Carol Poe, 74, of Connersville, passed away Tuesday morning, September 23, 2025, at her residence. She was born on February 24,1951, in Connersville, to the late William and Elberta Rose Murphy and graduated from Connersville High School. On July 21,1973, Carol was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Poe in Connersville. Mr. Poe passed away […] — (Posted September 25, 2025)

Johnnie B. McGovern Jr. Johnnie B. McGovern Jr., age 67 of Richmond, died Friday, September 19, 2025, in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was born on February 1, 1958, to View full obituary — (Posted September 24, 2025)

Karol Marie Rich Karol Marie Rich, 71, of New Castle passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at IU Health Methodist Hospital. She was born on June 13, 1954 in Decatur, Indiana to the late Paris and Maxine (Keller) Hakes. Karol is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Robert “Rob” K. Rich; sons, Justin E. (Fatima) Rich […] — (Posted September 24, 2025)

Rebecca Ragland Stanley Rebecca Ragland Stanley, age 74, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025. Rebecca Ragland Stanley was born November 21, 1950, in Indianapolis, IN. A woman of strength, warmth, and unwavering dedication, Rebecca’s life was one marked by love, service, and community. Rebecca was a proud graduate of Tudor Hall School for Girls in Indianapolis in […] — (Posted September 24, 2025)

Rodney Douglas McFarland In Loving Memory of Rodney Douglas McFarlandJuly 19, 1951 – September 13, 2025 Rodney Douglas McFarland, 74, of New Madison, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on September 13, 2025. Rodney was born on July 19, 1951, in Richmond, Indiana, to Arnold and Annie McFarland. In his younger years Rodney enjoyed traveling and fishing […] — (Posted September 24, 2025)

Thomas Clark Powell Thomas Clark Powell, age 92, of West Alexandria, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on September 22, 2025. Born on June 3, 1933, to the late Helen and Stanley Powell, Tom lived a full and accomplished life rooted in family and hard work. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and siblings […] — (Posted September 24, 2025)

Valeta Bridgewater Valeta Bridgewater, 69, of Richmond, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, September 23, at The Springs of Richmond. Valeta was born on February 23, 1956, in Randolph County, Indiana to Joseph M., Sr. & Eula Holbrook Newland. She was a 1974 graduate of Randolph Southern High School and later attended IUPUI. Valeta […] — (Posted September 23, 2025)

Devin Lee Shaffer Devin Lee Shaffer, 29, of New Paris, Ohio, died Monday, September 22, 2025, at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana. Devin was born on May 16, 1996, in Richmond, Indiana and was a 2018 graduate of Tri County North High School in Lewisburg, Ohio. Devin had a great sense of humor and loved watching movies, but […] — (Posted September 23, 2025)

Elizabeth (Betty) Griffey Elizabeth (Betty) Griffey,90, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Monday, September 22, 2025. She was born October 17, 1934, in Shirley, the daughter of James Thomas and Virgie (Hughes) Shaw. Elizabeth graduated in 1952 from New Castle High School. She married Arthur Griffey in 1951, and they spent 65 years together before […] — (Posted September 23, 2025)

Linda Lou (Bicknell) Cross Linda Lou (Bicknell) Cross, 87, formerly of Hagerstown, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Miller’s Merry Manor. Born February 28, 1938, in New Castle, Indiana, she was the daughter of Cecil and Doris (Higbee) Bicknell. Linda was a 1955 graduate of Cadiz High School. In 1970, she married the love of her life, […] — (Posted September 23, 2025)

Sherri Lynn Pekar Sherri Lynn Pekar of Eaton, Ohio, was born in 1949 in Gladwin, Michigan to Edward Breault and Vera (Ockerman) Breault. She passed away peacefully holding hands with her husband, Thomas Pekar, on September 22, 2025 in Dayton, Ohio. She married Thomas in May of 1987, and they shared a loving marriage of 38 years. Sherri […] — (Posted September 23, 2025)

B. Allen Conrad CENTERVILLE, IN– B. Allen Conrad, age 76, of Centerville, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at his home. Allen was born September 8, 1949, in Richmond, Indiana, to Frank and Louise Harris Conrad. He was a self-taught photographer who had won several awards, including Best of Show at the Indiana State Fair. Allen […] — (Posted September 23, 2025)

William “Bill” David McClure William "Bill" David McClure, 89, of New Castle, passed away peacefully at his home on September 22, 2025. He was born on January 12, 1936, in Henry County, IN, in a log cabin, to the late Chester and Ethel (Smith) McClure. After graduating from Mt. Summit High School, Bill served two years in the United […] — (Posted September 23, 2025)

Denver Grubbs Sr. Denver Grubbs, Sr., 89, of New Castle, passed away peacefully in his home Saturday, September 20, 2025. He was born May 11, 1936, in Pineville, Kentucky, a son of Lawrence and Emma Frances (Lewis) Grubbs. Denver was a veteran of the United States Army during the Korean War. Denver lived in many places before settling […] — (Posted September 23, 2025)

Perry Wayne Began Perry Wayne Began, age 49, of Camden, OH passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025 at home with his loving family at his side. He was born on January 14, 1976 in Middletown, OH to Robert and Madeline (Hildebrand) Began. Perry loved his Hank Williams Jr. dolls, his monkey and spending time with his family. […] — (Posted September 23, 2025)

Norman “Norm” W. Jeffries Norman “Norm” W. Jeffries, 79, of New Castle passed away Monday, September 22, 2025 at his residence. He was born October 7, 1945 in New Castle to the late Wyatt H. and Ina (Carnes) Jeffries. Norm was a graduate of Walter P. Chrysler High School. He retired from Indiana Bell/Ameritech Phone Company following 35 years […] — (Posted September 23, 2025)

Jason Rettinger Obituary and Arrangements Pending View full obituary — (Posted September 23, 2025)

JoAnne Paull LEWISVILLE- JoAnne Paull, 75, left her earthly home in Lewisville to be with her Lord and Savior in Heaven on Friday evening September 19, 2025. A daughter of the late William Keith and Roberta Jean (Dishman) Reed, JoAnne was born in New Castle, Indiana on February 7, 1950. She graduated from Lewisville High School with […] — (Posted September 22, 2025)

Jesse T. Sheets Jr. Jesse T. Sheets Jr. age 78, of Mason, Ohio, died Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Hospice of Cincinnati – Blue Ash. Born to Jesse T. and Naomi G. Freeman Sheets Sr., Jesse lived most of his life in Richmond, before moving to Mason, Ohio in 1992. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army […] — (Posted September 22, 2025)

Warren Vincent Guhr Warren Vincent Guhr, infant son of Whitney (Smith) Guhr passed away unexpectedly at his home Friday, September 19, 2025. In addition to his mother, Whitney, he is survived by three siblings, Gracelyne, Wesleigh, and Gemaria. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Condolences may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com. — (Posted September 22, 2025)

Marie Saffell Stella Marie Saffell, 85, of Rushville, Indiana, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at her home. She was born on June 21, 1940, in Connersville to Kenneth Casper and Caroline Duncan Leach. Marie graduated from Connersville High School in 1959. She also attended college at Indiana University East. Marie was married to Terry Saffell […] — (Posted September 22, 2025)

Melba R. Gallien Melba R. Gallien, 95, of New Castle, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, at Henry Community Health Hospital. She was born on November 10, 1929, in Canton, IL, the daughter of Louis and Clara Randall. Melba retired from Delco Remy in Anderson, IN, after 14 years of service. She was a member of the […] — (Posted September 22, 2025)

Michael R. Bennett In remembrance of the life of Michael R. Bennett, who passed away far too soon at the age of 57. Born in 1968 to the late Jane Bennett (White), Michael's life was filled with love, pride, and lasting connections that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Michael was […] — (Posted September 22, 2025)

Nancy Irene Shook Nancy Shook, 86, of Richmond, Indiana passed away on September 20, 2025. She was born May 24, 1939, in Cambridge City, Indiana to the late View full obituary — (Posted September 22, 2025)

Patricia G. Stotler Patricia Stotler, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away from cancer on September 16th surrounded by love and family. While small in stature, her adventurous spirit was a big inspiration to her family and friends. A lifelong traveler, Patricia delighted in exploring the world — whether strolling the streets of Europe, cruising […] — (Posted September 22, 2025)

Everett P. Crowe Everett P. Crowe, 93, of Eaton, Ohio, died Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Brookdale of Greenville, Ohio. Born on January 1, 1932 in Lewisburg, Ohio, he was the son of the late Harley E. and Onia V. (Hartman) Crowe. Everett retired in 1982 from General Motors – Delco Moraine after 30 years. He was a […] — (Posted September 21, 2025)

Jennifer L Hammond Jennifer L. Hammond, 60, of New Castle, passed away at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis following an extended illness. She was born on September 23, 1964, in Elwood, a daughter of the late Charles and Charlene Long. Jennifer graduated from Elwood High School in 1983 and worked at several nursing homes in the Muncie […] — (Posted September 20, 2025)

Lola Agnes Goldy Lola Agnes Goldy, 101, of New Castle, passed away early on the morning of Friday, September 19, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Greenfield. She was born on January 14, 1924, in Dandridge, Tennessee, the only child of the late Sebern Randolph and Lola Mae (Thomas) Goforth. Lola graduated from Nashville Business College and was […] — (Posted September 20, 2025)

Wanda Joyce Brown Wanda Joyce Brown, age 76, of Hollansburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Greenville. She was born on October 8, 1948, in Mexico, Missouri, to the late George and Deveda (Lincoln) Willingham. Wanda is survived by her husband, Kenneth Brown, whom she married on May 13, […] — (Posted September 19, 2025)

Gary W. Barker Gary W. Barker, age 70, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025, after a long, hard-fought battle surrounded by his loved ones. Gary was born October 24, 1954, in Richmond, Indiana, to William I. Barker and Barbara Bell Suleski. He was self-made and a man of many hats. He is survived by his wife of 51 […] — (Posted September 19, 2025)