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.

John Black John D. Black, 68, of Milton, Indiana passed away on Wednesday July 22, 2026 at Arbor Trace in Richmond. He was born on August 15, 1957 in New Castle, Indiana to Johnie Guy and Helen (Ballard) Black and lived his entire life in this area. John graduated from Cambridge City Lincoln High School and worked […] — (Posted July 23, 2026)

Melissa Jane Ervin Melissa Jane Ervin passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The family is being cared for by Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary, Inc. — (Posted July 23, 2026)

Mary Lou Elam Mary Lou Elam, 78, of Muncie, went home to be with the Lord on the morning of Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Signature Healthcare in Muncie. She was born on November 27, 1947, in Eaton, Indiana, a daughter of the late Daniel Withers Jr. and Irene (Dick) Withers. Mary was a 1966 gra… — (Posted July 23, 2026)

Justin Scott Shipley Justin Scott Shipley, 42, of Crossville, Tennessee, and formerly of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Cumberland Medical Center. He was born on September 8, 1983, in New Castle, Indiana, a son of Randall Scott Shipley and Gail Lynn (Hoppes) Gross…. — (Posted July 23, 2026)

Douglas Matthew Pentecost Obituary and Arrangements Pending — (Posted July 23, 2026)

Charles “Charlie” R. Oldham Charles “Charlie” R. Oldham, 72, of Markleville, passed away on July 21, 2026. He was born on April 1, 1954, in New Castle to the late Herbert and Edna (McDaniel) Oldham. Charlie attended Knightstown High School until the 10th grade. He built a steady career working at the Dana automotive factory. He developed a wide […] — (Posted July 22, 2026)

Billie Jean Perry Full obituary coming soon… — (Posted July 22, 2026)

Edward Lee Dickey Edward Lee Dickey, age 81, passed away July 19, 2026, at Brickyard Healthcare-Golden Rule Care Center. He was born March 25, 1945, the son of Willard Junior Dickey and Darlene Dunn Dickey, in Connersville, Indiana. Edward was a Wayne County resident and had lived here most of his life. He was self-employed and had various […] — (Posted July 22, 2026)

Andy Frank Andrew (Andy) J. Frank, 84, of Connersville, Indiana, passed away on July 21, 2026. Born on September 14, 1941, in Brookville, IN to Edward and Marie (Schneider) Frank. Andy graduated from Brookville High School in 1959 and went on to build a life centered around hard work, faith, and family. He was married to Darlene […] — (Posted July 22, 2026)

Kenneth LeRoy Pfoutz It is with very heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of our beloved father (Dad) and grandfather (Papa) Kenneth L. Pfoutz. Kenneth left this Earth surrounded by his loving family to join his beloved wife Dorothy in Heaven on Monday, July 20, 2026. Kenneth and Dorothy were married July 2, 1960 and shared […] — (Posted July 22, 2026)

Arturo Calderon Atturo Calderon, 42, of Richmond died July 20, 2026 at his home. He was born December 18, 1983 in Acambaro, Guanajuato, Mexico to Alturo and Belen Perez Calderon. He previously worked in manufacturing. Survivors include his wife Rhonda, his daughter Avari Calderon, his step-son Lajmar Anderson, his mother, and his brothers and sisters Teresa, Sergio, […] — (Posted July 22, 2026)

Becky Steele Esther Rebekah Steele Hammer of Connersville passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, at Reid Health Richmond at the age of 66. She was born on October 13, 1959, in Connersville, IN, one of 13 children born to Joseph T. and Thelma (Fields) Steele. Becky worked in environmental services at area nursing home and was […] — (Posted July 22, 2026)

Patricia Gordon Patricia Jean Gordon of Falmouth, IN, passed away on Friday July 17, 2026 while a patient at Henry Community Hospital in New Castle, IN at the age of 77. Patricia was born at home on August 31, 1948, outside of Andersonville, IN. She is the daughter of John Martin Linville and Martha Aileen (Moore) Hobbs. […] — (Posted July 22, 2026)

Ashley Bowen Kelley Markcum Ashley Nicole Bowen Kelley Markcum, 39, born in Cheverly, Maryland in Prince George Community Hospital. She was raised in Dublin, Georgia. Ashley was a compassionate and loving person. She had an infectious smile. She was always doing for others, putting herself last. Ashley was everyone’s friend, sister, and child because of how deeply she was […] — (Posted July 22, 2026)

Mary “Betty” Elizabeth Riley Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Riley, 81, of New Castle, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at StoneBrooke Rehabilitation Center in New Castle. Betty was born on December 19, 1944, in Washington, Indiana, the daughter of the late Donald and Louise (Belcher) LaForce. Betty adored her great-grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. She […] — (Posted July 21, 2026)

Mary Helen Seals Mary Helen Seals passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The family is being cared for by Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary, Inc. — (Posted July 21, 2026)

Chester Lee Gabbard Jr. Chester Lee Gabbard Jr., 81, of Laurel, passed away Sunday evening, July 19, 2026, at Reid Health of Richmond, where he had been a patient since Friday morning. A son of Chester Lee Sr. and Gloria Martz Gabbard, Chester was born on July 31, 1944. He proudly served with the United States Navy. On June […] — (Posted July 21, 2026)

Estella Elaine Jones Estella Elaine Jones, 81, of Richmond, passed away on July 18, 2026, at Reid Health, Richmond. She had been living, and thoroughly enjoyed her time, at the Springs of Richmond for the past two years. A daughter of Chester Earl and Neva Eva Wooley Welch, Estella was born on September 11, 1944, on a Native […] — (Posted July 21, 2026)

Sheila Paradiso Obituary pending… There will be no public services. Community Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. Send online condolences to the family via the online guestbook at www.communityfamilyfh.com. — (Posted July 21, 2026)

Darren Wayne Young Darren Wayne Young, 52, of Connersville, went home to be with the Lord on July 16, 2026 at Reid Health of Richmond. The only child of Carey Wayne and Bonnie Farler Young, Darren was born December 19, 1973 in Connersville and was a 1992 graduate of Connersville High School. A licensed EMT, he was employed […] — (Posted July 20, 2026)

Roger Keith Kenyon Roger Keith Kenyon, 79, of New Palestine passed away Sunday, July 19, 2026 at Ashford Place in Shelbyville. He was born April 7, 1947 in Randolph County, the son of Frank and Francis Idelle (Haney) Kenyon. Roger was a 1965 graduate of Franklin Central High School. He was a man of God. He proudly served […] — (Posted July 20, 2026)

Royce Eugene “Butch” Bowers RICHMOND, IN– Royce Eugene “Butch” Bowers, age 87, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, July 19, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Born November 3, 1938, in Arlington, Ohio, to Paul Edgar and Olive Esther Seibel Bowers, Butch has lived in this community most of his life. He was a 1957 graduate of Richmond High […] — (Posted July 20, 2026)

Donna Jean Amos Donna Jean Amos, 79, of Connersville went home to be with her Lord Thursday morning, July 16, 2026, in Connersville. A daughter of Dwight Wissler and Dorothy Henley Wissler, Donna was born on October 13, 1946, in New Castle, Indiana. She grew up in the Dublin area and graduated from Cambridge City High School and […] — (Posted July 20, 2026)

Dorothy M. Brubaker Dorothy May Brubaker, daughter of Emory and Hattie (Landis) Deaton was born April 4, 1924, in Preble County Ohio. Realizing her need for a Savior, she was baptized on May 30, 1944, into the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, to which she remained faithful until death. On October 6, 1946, she was united in holy […] — (Posted July 18, 2026)

Lloyd A. Strike Lloyd A. Strike, age 83, of Eaton, OH, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2026 at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, OH. He was born December 12, 1942 in Chambersburg, PA to the late Ray and Myrtle (Garber) Strike. Lloyd married Mary Ruth Wolf as his life companion. They were united in marriage June 14, 1964 […] — (Posted July 18, 2026)

Aileen S. Githens The family of Aileen S. Githens sadly announces her passing, at the age of 97, on July 17, 2026. Aileen was born January 10, 1929, in Highland County, Ohio, the third child of Doris B. and W.A. Smith, Jr. The Smiths were both a farming and a musical family, with Aileen singing harmonies with her […] — (Posted July 18, 2026)

James W. Mobley James W. Mobley of Rushville passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday July 16, 2026, at the age of 89. James was born in Laurel, Indiana on April 15, 1937, the son of Vergis and Alice Plough Mobley. He was a member of New Testament Baptist Church in Penntown. He graduated […] — (Posted July 18, 2026)

Chris Davis Yvonne “Chris” Davis, 70 of Connersville passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026. She was born on October 18, 1955, in Connersville to Stanley Duncan and Shirley Myers Duncan. On May 27, 1987, she married Larry Davis in Jellico, Tennessee. Yvonne dedicated her life to caring for others. As a stay-at-home wife and mother, she […] — (Posted July 18, 2026)

Ada M. Chriswell Ada M. Chriswell, 93, of New Castle, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, at The Willows of New Castle following a brief illness. She was born April 23, 1933, in New Castle to the late Theodore and Sarah E. (Brown) Carender. A graduate of New Castle High School, Ada worked at Carson Chemicals, Singer Sewing […] — (Posted July 17, 2026)

Bobbie Jean Hatfield Bobbie Jean Hatfield passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026. The family is being cared for by Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary, Inc. — (Posted July 17, 2026)