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.

Sandi Kay Hicks Smith NEW PARIS, OH. – Sandi Kay Hicks Smith, age 79, of New Paris, Ohio, died Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Reid Health. Sandi was born on March 29, 1946. She was the daughter of Orace and Leona Foster and had lived in New Paris since 1973. Sandi formerly worked at Reid Health, Grandview Hospital in […] — (Posted September 25, 2025)

Steven Keith Riley Steven Keith Riley, 62, of Richmond, passed away on September 9, 2025, at Arbor Trace. He was born on May 21, 1963, in Fort Wayne View full obituary — (Posted September 25, 2025)

Bernice K. Allen Bernice K. Allen died September 24, 2025, as a result of cancer. Born March 6, 1953 to Norbert and Clara Grube, she was the first twin Dr. Slusser ever delivered. She graduated from Fort Recovery High School in 1971 and soon after went to work. She spent her whole life working in factories. Divorced in […] — (Posted September 25, 2025)

Tina A. Goodnight Tina Annette Goodnight, 65, of Connersville passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. She was born on October 4, 1959 in Troy, Ohio to Lowell View full obituary — (Posted September 25, 2025)

Roy Patton Jr. Roy Patton Jr., during the Lord’s Prayer, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family September 24, 2025. He was born on June 14, 1943, in View full obituary — (Posted September 25, 2025)

Susan E. Voke Susan E. Voke, age 67, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. She was born on December 5, 1957, in Greenville, to the late Junior and Virginia (Holsapple) Fourman. Sue is survived by her daughters, Jennifer (Gabe) McWhinney of St. Paris, Ohio, and Brittany Voke of Greenville; her […] — (Posted September 25, 2025)

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)