Stratton - Karsteter Funeral Home
Versailles Indiana
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Obituaries for Year 2017

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Bob Curran, 80, of Versailles, passed away at 9:30pm, Thursday, December 28, 2017 at the University Of Cincinnati Hospital. He was born at Versailles on August 16, 1937 the son of George and Eva McClure Curran. Survivors include two sons; Neil of Versailles and Tim of Indianapolis, adopted daughter from the heart; Robyn Mulroy, two grandsons; Alex and Ben, one brother; Jimmy (Carol) Curran of Versailles. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters; Shirley Thompson and Betty Baugh. He was a 1956 graduate of Versailles High School. Bob was a drummer from 1962 – 1968  along with Neil Comer, Jerry Dietrich, Mike Venable, Donny Bill Price, Don Campbell and manager Charles Plumber for the Band Pastels, also was a lifeguard for the Versailles State Park and retired from the Coca Cola Company in 2002. Mr. Curran was a 60plus year member of the Tyson United Methodist Church where he served in several capacities. He was also an SAL member of the Leora Weare Post 173 American Legion in Versailles. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2017 at 1:00pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mike Dixon of the Tyson United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Tyson United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.

 

Gloria JoAn Krall, 84, of Osgood passed away at 7pm, Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at her home with her husband Norris by her side. She was born on the family farm near Dabney on July 16, 1933 the daughter of Lester and Daisy Hull Tucker. She was married to Gerald Martin on June 17, 1951 and he preceded her in death on July 5, 1980. She was married to Norris Krall on August 14, 1982 and he survives. Other survivors include one son Anthony (Debra) Martin of Fairland; three daughters Michele (Rodger) Chapellow of Zenas, Kimberly Engel of Franklin, and Candace (Danny) Robinson of Shelbyville; three step-sons Kenneth (Linda) Krall of Osgood, Terry (Diane) Krall of Carmel, and Michael Krall of Osgood; 22 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; one brother Ray (Marian) Tucker of Dabney. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother Lee Tucker, her sisters Beulah Adams, Bonnie Smith, and Hertha Jones, and her grandson Donn Keever.  Mrs. Krall was a 1951 graduate of Holton High School and graduated from the LPN school of the Bartholomew County Hospital in 1980. During her working career JoAn was a secretary for the Zenas Elementary School and later worked as a nurse on the med-surg floor of the Bartholomew County Hospital. JoAn, along with her husband Norris worked with the Ripley County Historical Society in the publication of several books including both volumes of the Ripley County History Book, Sandcreek Association History, History of the Dabney Baptist Church, A Look at Life which was a compilation of poems and remembrances written by her father, and Lest We Forget, a tribute to the many young women and men of Ripley County who served in WWII. JoAn also helped compile and write Past Tense, a history of the Holton School. JoAn was a member of the Dabney Baptist Church, the Ripley County Historical Society, and was a former member of the Columbia Afternoon Extension club. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 27th at 10:30am at the Dabney Baptist Church with Dr. Michael Bell officiating. Burial will be in the Flat Rock Cemetery near Osgood. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 26th from 3pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9:30am until time of services Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Dabney Baptist Church or the Ripley County Historical Society in care of the funeral home.

 

Ruth L. Hamilton, 97, of Versailles passed away at 12:20pm, Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. She was born in Cincinnati on November 2, 1920 the daughter of Albert and Augusta Luhring Murray. Ruth enjoyed telling folks that she was born on the day Warren G. Harding was elected president of the United States. Ruth is survived by her son Fred Hamilton of Hanover, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother F.H. Murray.  Mrs. Hamilton was a former employee of the Dillsboro Sanitarium, but was best known in Versailles for the many years she spent as a medical receptionist for Dr. Parker and later Dr. Robert Mulford. Ruth was a member of the Eastern Star. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 21st at 2pm with Rev. Mike Cantrell of the Versailles Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Oakdale Cemetery at Dillsboro. Visitation will also be on Thursday from 12pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.

 

Dennis W. Hayes, 75, of Benham passed away at 8:30pm, Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the University Hospital in Louisville. He was born at Milan on October 25, 1942 the son of Wilkie and Jessie Niles Hayes. He was married to Barbara Linville on May 21, 1966 and she survives. Other survivors include one brother Kenneth (Gladys) Hayes of Benham along with several nieces and nephews. Growing up Denny attended the Benham School and was a 1960 graduate of Cross Plains High School. In 1962 he began working at the Aurora Casket Company and remained there his entire career retiring in 2005 after 43 years. Music was a major part of Denny and Barbara’s life and throughout their  married life they did singing evangelical work which allowed them to travel to several states. Denny was a member of the Concord Wesleyan Church where served in several capacities. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 18th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Jerry Vandervort officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3pm to 6pm. Memorials may be given to the Concord Wesleyan Church in care of the funeral home.

 

Eva M. Ficklin, 70, of East Enterprise passed away at 5:45am, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at her home. She was born at Madison on September 5, 1947 the daughter of Chester and Flora Angel Sproessig. She was married to Donald Ficklin on August 21, 1965 and he preceded her in death on October 9, 2016. Survivors include three sons Tim (Carrie) Ficklin of East Enterprise, Jeff Ficklin of Madison, and Robert Ficklin of Hanover; four grandchildren Dustin Whiteford, Katelynne Whiteford, Taylor Ficklin, and Sophia Ficklin; one great-grandson Dallas Whiteford; also her sister-in-law Patricia Sproessig of Versailles. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother Richard Sproessig. Mrs. FIcklin was a 1965 graduate of Holton High School. She was a former employee of Conn Organ in Greensburg, US Shoe in Osgood, and retired from the Gecom Corporation in Greensburg. Eva was a member of the Holton United Methodist Church and attended the Bible Baptist Church in Greendale. Her children, grandchildren, and her faith were her mainstays in life. Funeral services for Eva will be held on Friday, December 8th at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Joseph S. Hart of the Bible Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Garden at Madison. Visitation will be on Friday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Holton United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.

 

Nancy Black Waldbillig, 59, of Cincinnati passed away at 6:05pm, Saturday, November 18, 2017 at University Hospital in Cincinnati. She was born at Milan on April 8, 1958 the daughter of Roy and Dorothy Jahnigen Black. She was married to Albin Waldbillig on May 30, 1980 and he preceded her in death on April 3, 2013. Survivors include three sons Albin Waldbillig III, Jacob Waldbillig, and Nicholas Waldbillig all of Cincinnati; one brother Roger (Trish) Black of Westfield; two sisters Jo Ann (John) Santen, and Judy (John) Sides both of Versailles. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Rita Hansen. Mrs. Waldbillig was raised in the Versailles area and was a 1976 graduate of South Ripley High School. Nancy was also a graduate of the Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Cincinnati. Over the course of 35 years she was a nurse at Childrens Hospital in Cincinnati and then worked as a case manager for the cardiac unit of University Hospital in Cincinnati. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 25th at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mike Cantrell of the Versailles Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.

 

Janet S. Ward, 78, of Versailles, formerly of Osgood passed away at 6:39am, Saturday, November 18, 2017 at her home. She was born at Gary, Indiana on November 17, 1939 the daughter of Howard Sr. and Lillian Lagenour Mills. She was married to John Ward on October 21, 1960 and her husband of 57 years survives. Other survivors include two sons Jack (Michelle) Ward of Littleton, Colorado, and Steve Ward and his fiancé LeAnne Brown of Osgood; four grandchildren Cameron Ward and Heather Ward of Denver, Colorado, and Damon Ward and Blaine Ward of Osgood; one brother Howard (Dorothy) Mills, Jr. of Zephyr Hills, Florida; one sister Karen Dickerson of Osgood. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Shirley Hayden. Mrs. Ward was a 1957 graduate of Versailles High School. She was a former employee of the placement office at Ball State University and had also worked at the license branch in Versailles. Her pastimes consisted of reading, and being at whatever sporting event her grandchildren may be participating in. She also enjoyed watching the Rachel Ray and Pioneer Woman cooking shows on TV. After her faith, Janet’s mainstay in life was caring for John, her sons, and their families. Janet was a member of the Versailles Church of Christ where she enjoyed participating in the Ladies Prayer & Share group. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 22nd at 11am at the Versailles Church of Christ with Dale Day and Josh Yonts officiating. Burial will be in the St. John Catholic Cemetery at Osgood. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and on Wednesday from 10am until time of services at the church. Memorials may be given to the Janet and John Ward Scholarship Fund, a part of the Jac-Cen-Del Scholarship Foundation, or the Hospice of Margaret Mary Hospital in care of the funeral home.

 

Nelson Bowlus, 78, of Osgood passed away at 11:50pm, Friday, November 17, 2017 at his home. He was born at Trenton, Ohio on March 13, 1939 the son of Chester and Velma Imhoff Bowlus. He was married to Sandra Comer on August 1, 1981 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Robert (Amber) Bowlus of Napoleon; one daughter Rebecca Bowlus of Cincinnati; one granddaughter Alyvia Bowlus; one sister Gail Hotchkin of Tipp City, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Bowlus was a 1957 graduate of Trenton High School and graduated from Ohio State University in 1963 with a BS in Agriculture. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 until 1959. Nelson was a former supervisor with General Motors in Dayton, was employed with the Westinghouse Uranium Processing facility at Fernald, Ohio, and retired from Valeo in Greensburg. His great passion was raising his cattle on the family farm east of Osgood. Nelson was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Napoleon where he served on the church council and was also a member of the Ripley County Farm Bureau. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 21st at 11am at the St. John Lutheran Church in Napoleon with Pastor Jack Dixon officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.

 

Dwayne “Bud” Gilley, 58, of Versailles passed away at 2pm, Friday, November 10, 2017 at Hickory Creek in Greensburg. He was born at Madison on December 25, 1959 the son of Frank and Linda Jean Gilley. Survivors include his father Frank Gilley of Versailles; his son Eric Dwayne Gilley and his daughter Alexandria Gilley both of Clearview, Utah; two brothers Kevin (Michelle) Gilley and David Gilley both of Versailles; two sisters Cindy (Jay) Miller of Osgood and Missy (Jeff) Wright of Lexington, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his mother, and his brother Timothy. Bud was a 1978 graduate of South Ripley High School and was a member of the Raiders 1978 Sectional championship team. He also was a graduate of Ball State University and Oakland City College. In 1981 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until 1988 as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist. For service to his country Bud received the Air Force Achievement Medal, Outstanding Unit Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Longevity Service Award Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon. In civilian life he worked for the US Government as an Aircraft Instrument Specialist and also at the Jefferson Proving Ground in munitions testing. Bud’s wishes were to be cremated and a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 18 at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. JR Stephen officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will also be on Saturday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

 

Thelma R. Sieverding, 83, of Farmers Retreat passed away at 5:49am, Friday, November 10, 2017 at her home. She was born in Cincinnati on December 10, 1934 the daughter of Edward and Henrietta Stegeman Macke. She was married to Henry Sieverding on April 9, 1959 at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Cincinnati and her husband of 58 years survives. Other survivors include her children Maria Sieverding of Farmers Retreat, Keith (Beth) Sieverding of Friendship, Ben (Karen) Sieverding of Versailles, Ruth (Mark) Kieffer of Friendship, Teresa Meyer of Milan, Mike Sieverding of Milhousen, and Ann (Brian) Vogel of Versailles; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; two sisters Teresa (David) Kathman of Chicago and Marilyn (Ray) Siemer of Cincinnati; two brothers-in-law Arlo Crawford and Donald Eiser both of Cincinnati. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Diane, her son Francis, her grandson Jacob Vogel, her brother Ed Macke, her sisters Marci Crawford and Rosemary Eiser, and her twin sister Ruth Ann. Mrs. Sieverding was a 1953 graduate of Xavier High School in Cincinnati and attended the Cincinnati Art Academy. Her main occupation was wife and mother to her large family and outside the home Thelma worked as a secretary for the US Army in Cincinnati, as a receptionist for Proctor & Gamble, at the candy counter of Newberry’s Department Store in downtown Cincinnati, and worked in the Intelligence Division of the Internal Revenue System in Cincinnati. She was an accomplished artist and besides portraits of her children and grandchildren, she had many paintings displayed in various churches throughout the United States. Thelma also did religious statue restoration and had restored statues locally in the St. Pius and St. Charles Catholic Churches at Milan. Thelma was a member of the St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church in Westchester, Ohio, the Kolping Society of Cincinnati, was a founding member of the Southern Indiana Art Guild, and a member of the Indiana Plein Air Artists. Requiem High Mass will be held at 11am, Tuesday, November 14th at St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church in Westchester with Father Dolan officiating. Burial will be in the Craven Cemetery at Milan. Visitation will be on Monday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rosary services beginning at 4:30pm. Memorials may be given to the Friendship Fire Department in care of the funeral home.

 

Marsha Lee Acra, 69, of Milan passed away Wednesday morning, November 8, 2017 at the University Hospital in Cincinnati. She was born at Milan on April 9, 1948 the daughter of Walter and Thelma Taylor Knowlton. Survivors include her mother Thelma Knowlton of Milan; two sons Douglas (Summer) Acra, and Jon Acra and his fiancé Audra Kistler all of Milan; three grandchildren Holden, Madysen, and Kaylee Acra; one brother Bruce (Darlene) Knowlton of Milan; one sister Malena (Jim) Lovins of Milan. She was preceded in death by her father and her granddaughter Micayla Acra. Mrs. Acra was a 1966 graduate of Versailles High School. She received her Associate’s Degree in nursing from Vincennes University and then her BS in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University. She retired in 2013 after 37 years as a registered nurse and supervisor with the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. Marsha was a member of the Milan United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 11th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will be in the Craven Cemetery at Milan. Visitation will be on Friday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Micayla Acra Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.

 

John Charles Smith, 65, of Greensburg, formerly of Versailles passed away Monday,October 30, 2017 at his son’s home in Bloomington. He was born in Batesville on October 14th, 1952 the son of Robert and Esther Ann Wilson Smith. His survivors include his parents; Bob and Esther of Versailles, one son Mark (Christine) of  Bloomington; one daughter April Hall of Bloomington; 4 grandchildren; Drew,Morgan, Parker and Riley, 3 brothers; Lloyd Smith and Randy Smith, both of Versailles, Eddie Smith of Cross Plains, one sister; Dianne Harding of North Vernon. He was also preceded in death by his sister Melinda Thompson and a niece Jennifer Smith. Mr. Smith was an Army Vietnam Veteran and a Machinist for many factories in the Greensburg area. John was a member of the American Legion Post 129 of Greensburg. John’s wishes were to be cremated and his burial will be Wednesday, November 8th, 2017 at 1:00pm at The Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1415 North Gate Road, Madison, Indiana with full military Honors. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.

 

Christopher Michael Krause, 24, of Holton passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at his family farm. He was born in Madison, Indiana on June 27th, 1993 the son of Chris and Lisa Rauch Krause. Survivors include his father Chris Krause of Holton; his mother Lisa Krause of Cincinnati; two half-sisters; Shayne (Jason) Meister Krall of Loveland, Ohio and Jocelyn (Shawn) Meister Key of Blue Ash, Ohio; maternal Grandmother Margaret Spencer, six nieces and nephews, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was also preceded in death by Paternal Grandparents Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Ann Krause and Maternal Grandfather James Rauch. Michael was a 2012 graduate of South Ripley High School and  was employed with the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center at Butlerville as a Steam Plant Fire Tender. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 30th at 12noon at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mark Kessen officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be on Monday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Holton Volunteer Fire Department or to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

 

Leonard  H.F. Rohls, 93, of Napoleon passed away at 9:45pm, Thursday, October 19, 2017 at his home. He was born near Napoleon on the farm where he spent his entire life on April 17, 1924 the son of John and Laura Sembach Rohls. He was married to Esther Obendorf on November 3, 1946 and she preceded him in death on December 7, 1992. He was married to Irma Hurelbrink Obendorf on February 26, 1994 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Gayle (Barbara) Rohls, and Glenn (Janet) Rohls both of Napoleon; one daughter Carol (Mark) Dilk of Floyds Knobs; one step-son Kenneth (Susie) Obendorf of Versailles; two step-daughters Ellen (Dr. Robert) Mulford and Phyllis (Edward) Armbrecht both of Versailles; 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.  He was also preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Rohls was a farmer his entire life. He had also worked as a substitute bus driver for the Napoleon School, drove a milk route, and was a salesman for Brock Grain Bins. He had also served as Ripley County Surveyor. Leonard was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Olean and was a former member of the Ripley County Farm Bureau. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 23rd at 10am at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean with Pastor Curtis Black officiating. Burial will be in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Napoleon. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2pm to 6pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

 

Earnest Patrick, 91, of Batesville, formerly of Holton passed away at 3:30am, Thursday, October 5, 2017 at his residence. He was born at Lee City in Wolfe County, Kentucky on October 28, 1925 the son of George and Fannie Hollon Patrick. He was married to Bonnie June Peebles on October 7, 1945 and she preceded him in death on July 18, 2004. He was married to Olga Lipphardt on December 17, 2007 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Earnest (Christy) Patrick, Jr. of Versailles; two daughters Joyce Horn of Madison and Janet (Floyd) Forwalt of Holton; step-sons Michael (Barbara) Hendrix of Batesville, Timothy (Sara) Hendrix of Carmel, and Karl (Beverly) Hendrix of Batesville; step-daughter Joyce (Norman) Banks of Columbia, Tennessee; 9 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren,  and ,19 great-great-grandchildren; three brothers Richard (Bert) Patrick of Flemingsburg, Kentucky, Goble (Jacqueline) Patrick of Versailles, and Lester (Juanita) Patrick of Cincinnati; one sister Edith Mink of Clay City, Kentucky. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Chester and Virgil Patrick, step-son John Etchison, and his son-in-law Wayne Horn. Mr. Patrick was employed with DT Construction in Columbus and had also worked at Fernald in Hamilton, Ohio. Earnie was a member of the Hope Baptist Church and the Holton Masonic Lodge. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 9th at 10:30am at the Hope Baptist Church at Dillsboro with Bro. Tom Holt officiating. Burial will be in the Tanglewood Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4pm to 6pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9:30am until time of services Monday at the church. The Holton Masonic Lodge will conduct services at 6pm, Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Hope Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.

 

Floyd Tingle, 76, of Benham passed away at 1:50am, Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born at Benham on July 25, 1941 the son of Stanley and Elsie Gelvin Tingle. He was married to Betty Loydene Hunt and she preceded him in death. Survivors include his sister Ruth (Delza) Thornton of Benham; his niece Sherry (Danny) Bauer of Dillsboro; great-niece Danielle Bauer of Louisville and great-nephew Matthew Bauer of Dillsboro. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Ralph and Alton. Mr. Tingle attended the Benham School and was a farmer his entire life. Floyd and his brother Alton were avid tractor collectors, especially Farmall, but also any old tractors. Floyd was a member of the Ripley County FARM club, as well as tractor collecting clubs in Rushville, Brookville, and Greensburg. He also enjoyed fishing. Funeral services for Floyd will be held on Saturday, October 7th at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Randy Thieman officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery. Visitation will also be on Saturday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Benham Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

Amanda Lynn Shadday, 34, of Morris passed away at 9:45pm, Saturday, September 30, 2017 as a result of an automobile accident near Delaware. She was born in Cincinnati on November 17, 1982 the daughter of Ronald Schwarte and Gina Sherritt. She was married to Jared Shadday on November 23, 2002 and he survives. Other survivors include her daughter Adriana at home; her father Ronald Schwarte of Versailles; her mother Gina Sullivan of Morris; maternal grandparents David and Gloria Sherritt of Cincinnati; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mrs. Shadday was a homemaker. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 5th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Randy Thieman officiating. Burial will be in the Greendale Cemetery in Osgood. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

Raymond Sanders, Jr., 91, of Versailles passed away at 2:45am Sunday, October 1, 2017 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born at Waynesburg in Lincoln County, Kentucky on September 9, 1926, the son of Raymond Sr. and Lula Mae Oaks Sanders. He was married to Kathy Smith on February 14, 1988, and she preceded him in death on September 22, 2008. Survivors include two sons Dennis (Lisa) Sanders, and Mike (Evie) Sanders both of Versailles; two daughters Linda (Charles) Shockey of Indianapolis and Patricia Renfro of Batesville; one step-son Kevin (Cindy) Oleckniche; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Black Sanders, and his sisters Bessie Weaver, Mary Jewell Lay, Lillian Jacobs, Lou Ellen Geabes, and Dorothy Burress. Ray and his brother-in-law, George Geabes, founded Service Central in Versailles, and Ray was also a former employee of Reynolds Gas and Empire Gas. For over 50 years he was a Special Deputy for the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office. In this capacity, Ray’s time was spent working security for South Ripley basketball games, after game dances, and the Pumpkin Show. Through the years this enabled him to make many friends among the students and teachers. He also worked security for the NMLRA in Friendship. Ray was a member of the Versailles Baptist Church, Versailles American Legion, 40 & 8, the NRA, and the NMLRA. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 4th at 11am at the Versailles Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Cantrell officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Wednesday at the church. The Versailles Lions club will conduct memorial services Tuesday at 7pm at the funeral home.  Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.  

 

Deborah Kay Nicholson, 57, of Holton passed away at 3:15pm, Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at her home. She was born at Scottsburg on September 14, 1960 the daughter of Arlo Dean and Martha Jean Smith. She was married to Marty Nicholson on October 29, 1981 and he survives. Other survivors include one son Hank (Jennifer) Nicholson of Versailles; one daughter Emily (Jack) Begley of Versailles; grandchildren Lanie, Lucie, and Clint Nicholson, and Brady, Noah, and Grayson Begley; one sister Lois Smith of Lexington; also her in-laws Harold and Barbara Turner of Napoleon. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Jake Smith. Mrs. Nicholson was a 1978 graduate of Scottsburg High School and was a former employee of Marble Hill at Madison and also of Fruit of the Loom and Ingersoll Rand in Campbellsville, Kentucky. For the last 23 years Debbie worked as a Customer Service Representative for Farm Bureau Insurance in Osgood. The light of Debbie’s life was her family, especially her grandchildren. Debbie attended the Dabney Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 30th at 4pm at the Dabney Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Bell officiating. Burial will be in the Dabney Cemetery. Visitation will also be at the church beginning at 2pm Saturday. Memorials may be given to the Dabney Baptist Church or cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

 

Willie “Jay” Watts, 74, of Madison passed away Friday, September 22, 2017 at his home. He was born at Hallie in Letcher County, Kentucky on August 23, 1943 the son of Pearl and Cinda Smith Watts. Survivors include two daughters Barbara Schmidt of Versailles and Kathy Lovins of Greensburg; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; one brother William Watts of Holton; six sisters Juanita (Bob) Adams of Shelbyville, Glenna (Tom) Sunn of LaPorte, Sharon (Bill) Back of Canaan, Christina Wooten of Kentucky, Velma Hamilton of Moorhead, Kentucky, and Sue ( Darrell) Gross of Florence, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Fred, Dee, Lawrence, Billy, Bub, and Pearl Jr., and his sisters Vergie Whitaker, Effie Campbell, and Imogene Leach. Mr. Watts was a 38 year employee of Reliance Electric in Madison, retiring in 2001. In his spare time, Willie was an avid fisherman. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 26th at 6pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Visitation will be from 4pm until time of services. Burial will follow at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Jefferson County Animal Shelter in care of the funeral home.

 

Justin Dale George, 37, of Madison passed away at 10:10pm, Friday, September 15, 2017 as the result of an automobile accident near Madison. He was born in Cincinnati on June 10, 1980. Survivors include his mother and step-father Carol Sue (Furlow) and Steven Owens of Madison; two brothers Christopher George and his fiancé Paula McConnell of Holton, and Chad George of Madison; also his nieces and nephews Barry, Dakota, and Breanna George. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents George and Phyllis Furlow. Mr. George had formerly worked as a mechanic for Tom Tepe Chevrolet. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 23rd at 10am at the New Marion Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

 

Edna Carolyn Margaret Smith, 99, of Milan passed away Friday, September 15, 2017 at the Waters of Batesville.  She was born near Bear Creek in Switzerland County on January 22, 1918, the daughter of William C and Amelia (Wehmeyer) Meyer.  She was married to Howard Smith on June 22, 1941 and her husband of seventy years preceded her in death on June 6, 2012 Survivors include three sons Howard (Marlene) Smith, Jr. Of Harrison, Ohio, Jerry (Shirley) Smith of Milan, and Larry (Ileene) Smith of Monroe, Michigan; 7 grandhchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; one brother Robert (Darlene) Meyer of Dillsboro; one sister Pauline Block of Milan. Also preceding her in death were her brothers Herman and Carl Meyer, a sister Irma Klusman, and granddaughters Amanda Smith and Heather Smith.  Mrs. Smith was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Dewberry on May 8, 1932 where she was a life-long member. Edna played the organ for the St. Paul congregation for 75 years.  She was a stay at home Mom and enjoyed volunteering at nursing homes, reading, and playing the organ.   She also enjoyed quilting and cross stitch.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 19th at 11:00am at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Dewberry with Pastor Juan Luna officiating.   Burial will be in the church cemetery.   Visitation will be Monday from 5:00pm to 8:00 pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10:00 am until time of service Tuesday at the church.   Memorials may be given to St Paul’s Church or St Paul’s Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

Terry L. Brown, 76, of Versailles passed away at 8:15am, Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at his home. He was born at home near Fairview in Switzerland County on September 21, 1940 the son of William Dale and Imogene Clark Brown. He was married to Gail Brown on June 21, 1959 and his wife of 58 years survives. Other survivors include one son Kenton Brown and his companion Nancy Copley of North Vernon; son-in-law Mark Hughes of Cadiz, Kentucky; 5 grandchildren Faith Anne Hughes of Cadiz, Kentucky, Bridget Rork of Lookout, Danny (Laura) Hamilton of Batesville, Miranda (Wesley) Lawson, and Jacob (Julia) Brown both of Madison; 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Cherri Hughes, his parents, and his brother Wayne Brown. Mr. Brown was a 1959 graduate of Versailles High School. He designed, built, and repaired machines for Cincinnati Inc., a machine tool company that Terry retired from in January 2003 after 36 years. Terry’s expertise in his work allowed him to travel across the US, Canada, and Europe for his company, but his family shared that he knew the machines well enough that he could diagnose a lot of problems over the phone. He was an avid fisherman and especially enjoyed fishing Lake of the Woods in Canada and he and Gail were able to travel across the US in their retirement years. Terry was a member of the Bridge of Hope Worship Center and was a former member of the Ripley County Gideon camp.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 16th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mark Walker, Bro. Doug Norman, and Rev. Dan McDonald officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be on Friday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to Celebrate Recovery, the Food Pantry, or to 180 Youth, all programs of the Bridge of Hope Worship Center in care of the funeral home.

 

Bonita M. “Bonnie” Franklin, 73, of Versailles passed away at 1:30pm, Saturday, August 26, 2017 at her home. She was born at St. Paul, Indiana on August 24, 1944 the daughter of Glenn and Anna Marie Hartman Townsend. She was married to Charles Franklin on October 26, 1974 and he survives. Other survivors include two sons Mark (Carla) Franklin of Holton and Geoff (Sarah) Franklin of Osgood; four grandchildren Ethan, Kendra, Nicholas, and Madeline Franklin; one brother Jerry Townsend of North Vernon; two sisters Sara Harding and Linda Collier both of Shelbyville. She was preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Franklin was a 1962 graduate of St. Paul High School. From 1964 to 1966 Bonnie served as a medic with the US Navy at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. In civilian life she worked as a Postmaster relief person for post offices in Holton, Osgood, Versailles, Friendship, Pierceville, and Osgood, retiring in 2005. She was a former 4-H leader for the Hopewell Clover Bees and also sold ads for 4-H for nine years. Bonnie was a member of the Dabney Baptist Church and one of her greatest thrills was working with the Good News Club at South Ripley for the past nine years. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 30th at 10:30am at the Dabney Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Bell and Rev. Mike Cantrell officiating. Burial will be in the Dabney Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Hospice of South Central Indiana or CEF (Good News Club) in care of the funeral home.

 

Steve Wood, age 66, longtime resident and farmer in Switzerland County, died at his home on August 11, 2017.  He was born in Camden, New Jersey, first son of the late Eleanor (Orzechowska) Wood and Raymond Wood.  Steve and Barbara Jane Tape married in Switzerland County in November 1978.  They lived on a farm on Worth Cole Road, where they raised their daughters, Leah (Wood) Walthery and Alice Wood Conovitz. Steve worked as a carpenter on special exhibits at the Cincinnati Museum Center for twenty years.  He also farmed and was widely known for his expertise in raising dairy goats; he shared his knowledge through his work in 4-H.  He often spoke of his love of the people and place that make up Switzerland County. He is missed by family and friends, including his siblings Anita Murphy, Linda Sheppard, Joanne Mignona, Peter Kevin, Denise Menold, and their families.  He was preceded in death by his sister Delores Breitweiser.  He also had great affection for his daughters’ families: Leah’s husband Lee and their daughters Nellie and Lily of Logansport, IN, and Alice’s husband Pete and their daughters Zoey and Rae of Fort Collins, CO.   The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.  Support to the family is being provided by Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

 

Willie (BJ) Messer III, 37, of Osgood passed away at 11:40am, Thursday, August 3, 2017 as the result of an auto accident. He was born at Lawrenceburg on September 17, 1979 the son of Willie Jr. and Brenda Stroud Messer. He was married to Michelle Caldwell on October 25, 2004 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Willie Messer IV, Riley Messer, and Kyra Chance all at home; his parents Junior and Brenda Messer of Osgood; paternal grandfather Willie Messer of Somerset, Kentucky; one brother Brad (Nick) Messer of Greensburg. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Eva Messer, maternal grandparents Leroy and Jean Stroud, and maternal step-grandfather Herbert Fugate. Mr. Messer was a 1998 graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School.  He was employed by Jane and Rick Lewis at the Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell restaurant in Batesville, a job he had since he was a sophomore in high school. BJ loved following and attending Cincinnati Reds games and his family described him as a very hard worker. Funeral services for BJ will be held on Tuesday, August 8th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Don Buck officiating. Burial will be in the Methodist Cemetery in Cross Plains. Visitation will be on Monday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

 

Margaret K. Hellmund, 99, of Osgood passed away at 4:30pm, Sunday, July 30, 2017 at her home. She was born in Cincinnati on March 2, 1918 the daughter of George and Cora Moore. She was married to Elliott Hellmund on December 24, 1937 and he preceded her in death on September 15, 1960. Survivors include one daughter Barbara Horan of Osgood; two sons William (Diana) Hellmund of Cincinnati and John Hellmund and his companion Judy of Topeka, Kansas; 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law John Horan, five brothers, and two sisters.  Mrs. Hellmund’s working career was spent as a cook and she had worked at General Electric, the Cincinnati Home for the Blind, and lastly at St. Anne’s Rectory in Cincinnati. Margaret was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church and her hobbies included reading westerns and doing crossword puzzles. Margaret’s wishes were to be cremated and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 12th at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Ty Choate officiating. Visitation will be from 10am until time of services. A private burial will be held at a later date at the St. John Catholic Cemetery in Osgood. Memorials may be given to the Hopewell Baptist Church in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles

Lonnie K. Pickett, Sr., 58, of Versailles, formerly of North Vernon passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017 at his home. He was born in Seymour on January 27, 1959 the son of Curtis and Beverly Rea Pickett. Survivors include his mother Beverly of Franklin; two sons Lonnie Pickett II of North Vernon and Justin Pickett of Columbus; one daughter Savannah Hines of North Vernon; 5 grandchildren; three sisters Lisa, Tammy, and Angie. Mr. Pickett was a 1977 graduate of Jennings County High School. He was a former corrections officer for the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office and had worked as an EMT for Jennings County Rescue 20. He had also worked as driver for Schneider Trucking. Lonnie served with the US Marine Corps from 1978 to 1981. Lonnie’s wishes were to be cremated and burial will follow at a later date at the West Zenas Cemetery. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of arrangements.

 

Mark Grossman, 58, of Versailles passed away at 3:25am, Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. He was born at Connersville on August 21, 1958 the son of Ray and Dorothy Henneke Grossman. He was married to Paula Whitaker on October 31, 1986 and she survives. Other survivors include his mother Dorothy of Olympia, Washington;  three sons Steven Grossman and his companion Devin of Madison, Whitaker (Kasey) Grossman of Dayton, Ohio, and  Zach Grossman and his companion Eva Grigsby of Benham; one grandson Dalton Grossman, one granddaughter Ahlanie Grossman; two brothers Tony (Lisa) Grossman of Versailles, and Hap Clemons and Robert of Olympia, Washington. He was preceded in death by his father and his granddaughter Annabella Montgomery. Mr. Grossman was a 1976 graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School. He was a former employee of US Shoe in Osgood and was a 26 year employee of the GECOM Corporation in Greensburg where he worked in line support. Mark was an accomplished drummer and started playing when he was only 13. He had played with several area bands. Every year he attended the Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, Ohio and this year he and his 1970 Firebird won the 30th anniversary Show & Shine award at the Southeastern Career Center’s car show. He also enjoyed attending auctions and yard sales and showing his family his many “valuable finds”.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 4th at 10:30 at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Dick Burcham officiating. Visitation will be on Monday July 3rd from 4pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Benham Cemetery, Hopewell Cemetery, or Rescue 69 in care of the funeral home.

 

Danny L. Myers, 68, of New Marion passed away at 2:30am, Sunday, June 25, 2017 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born at home in Benham on August 29, 1948 the son of Russell and Wilma Israel Myers. He was married to Brenda Wright at the West Fork Baptist Church on June 22, 1968 and she survives. Other survivors include three sons Rob (Tricia) Myers of New Marion, Dennis (Stephanie) Myers of New Palestine, and Tony (Sarah) Myers of Columbus, Ohio; 9 grandchildren; three brothers Norman (Barbara) Myers of Rexville, Russell Jr. (Linda) Myers of Dillsboro, and Mert (Janet) Myers of Versailles; one sister Mary (Tom) Allen of Edwardsburg, Michigan; sister-in-law Barbara Myers of Versailles. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Kenneth Myers. Mr. Myers was a member of the last graduating class of New Marion High School in 1966. He was once an employee of Coca-Cola in Aurora and retired in 2013 after 45 years with Bonn Aluminum in Greensburg where he worked as a machine job setter. In his spare time Danny enjoyed carpentry, fishing, gardening, spending time with his grandchildren, following NASCAR, and watching the IU Hoosiers. Danny was a member of the New Marion Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and attended to many of the church’s repair and remodeling needs. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 28th at 11am at the New Marion Baptist Church with Rev. Brad Creech officiating. Burial will be in the New Marion Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be given to the New Marion Baptist Church building fund in care of the funeral home.

 

Ivan W. Eaglin, 92, of Elrod passed away at 4:30am, Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. He was born near Farmers Retreat on September 10, 1924 the son of John and Margaret Grabus Eaglin. He was married to Erma Raffignone on July 16, 1949 and she preceded him in death on January 29, 2009. Survivors include two sons Terry (Rita) Eaglin of Versailles, and John (Debbie) Eaglin of Elrod; four grandchildren Mark (Stephanie) Percifield and Bryan (Mindy) Bernhardt both of Clearwater, Florida, Craig (Stacy) Eaglin of Friendship and Corey (Krista) Eaglin of Elrod; 10 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Raymond and Denzil Eaglin, and his sisters Thelma Slayback, Naomi Snyder, and Myrle Goodpaster. Mr. Eaglin was a retired farmer and was a self-employed truck driver. For many years he ran a milk route which encompassed eastern Ripley and western Dearborn Counties as well as parts of Switzerland County which he would then deliver to the Meadow Gold plant in Osgood. He had also been employed with Steadman’s Foundry in Aurora and was a former co-owner of Elrod Grain. Ivan for several years raced go-karts in Westport, Vevay, Rising Sun, and in 1961 was the champion of the Versailles Legion races. He also owned TQ race cars. Ivan was a member of the Washington Baptist Church at Elrod where he served as a trustee. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 26 at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with Bro. Tom Holt officiating. Burial will be in the Washington Cemetery at Elrod. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Washington Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

Connie Clowers Dunagan, 66, of Osgood passed away at 10am Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at the St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, Kentucky. She was born at Seymour on February 21, 1951 the daughter of Cornell and Virginia Akers Clowers. She was married to Larry Dunagan on May 1, 1970 and he survives. Other survivors include one son Larry (Tabitha) Dunagan, Jr. of Osgood; one daughter Jennifer Kieffer of Versailles; two grandchildren Timothy Moore of Greensburg and Kristen Kieffer of Osgood; one great-granddaughter Leah Moore of Madison; three brothers Bruce (Debbie) Clowers of Versailles, Dean (Elizabeth) Clowers, and Joe Clowers both of Haines City, Florida, and also her best friend Judy Jones of Osgood.  She was preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Dunagan was a homemaker and a former employee of US Shoe in Osgood and Delta Faucet in Greensburg. Connie attended the Bethany Baptist Church in Osgood. Funeral services will be on Friday, June 16th  at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Mike Cammack of the Bethany Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Indiana Veterans Cemetery in Madison. Visitation will be on Friday from 9am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Bethany Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.

 

Bonnie J. Benham, 76, of Osgood passed away at 11:30pm Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at her home. She was born at Springfield in Washington County, Kentucky on February 10, 1941 the daughter of Nelson and Catherine Bunch Holman. She was married to Dale Benham on February 3, 1957 and he preceded her in death on January 18, 2011. Survivors include one daughter Beverly Tebbe of Batesville; four sons Raymond (Peggy) Benham, Kenneth (Tonya) Benham, Greg (Marisa) Benham, and Tim Benham all of Osgood; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; one sister Linda Colvin of Jeffersonville. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother Leon Holman. She was a homemaker and a member of the Hope Baptist Church at Dillsboro. Bonnie’s uncle Floyd Bunch was a bluegrass musician and through him Bonnie had become a personal acquaintance of country music and bluegrass stars Keith Whitley, Ricky Skaggs, Ralph Stanley, and Doyle Lawson. Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 3rd at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Michael Miller of the Cedar Creek Community Church officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to Rescue 69 or the Benham Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

Ronald G. Palmer, 75, of Holton passed away at 11:50am, Monday, May 29, 2017 at the Waters of Batesville. He was born at Brookville on March 7, 1942 the son of Claude and Edith Rayner Palmer. Survivors include his son Brent Palmer of Batesville; two brothers Claude Palmer, Jr. of Osgood and Omer (Virginia) Palmer of Versailles, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William Palmer, and his sisters Waunetta Zaenglein, Phyllis Mulford, and Bonnie Palmer. Mr. Palmer was a 1962 graduate of Holton High School and was retired from Cummins Engine in Columbus. He served in the Army from 1965 to 1968 with the 55th Engineering Company as a crane shovel operator and qualified as a rifle marksman. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 2nd at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Steve Palmer officiating. Burial will be in the Dabney Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Friday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Dabney  Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.

 

Charles L. Tingle, 73, of Dillsboro passed away Friday, May 26, 2017 at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. He was born at Bethlehem in Henry County, Kentucky on November 15, 1943 the son of Gilbert and Leona Raisor Tingle. He was married to Barbara Bryant on October 21, 2000 and she survives. Other survivors include three sons Charles Tingle of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Jeff (Cindy) Tingle of Vevay, and Lonnie (Debbie) Tingle of Lawrenceburg, Indiana; three step-children Paul (Sid) Yorn of New Marion, Scott (Liz) Benham of Butlerville, and Brent (Katrina) Benham of Holton; 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one sister Shelby (Benny) Garland of Vevay. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Larry Tingle, great-grandso Dylan Jennings, brothers Earl and Donnie Tingle, and his sisters Shirley Hewitt, Leora Marsh, Wilma Romans, and Lois Taylor. Mr. Tingle attended the Jefferson-Craig School and also attended Vevay High School. Charles was a former employee of US Shoe in Madison and Osgood, was a farmer, and retired in 2008 from Seymour Tubing. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 31st at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Anthony Wilkes officiating. Burial will be in the Craven Cemetery at Milan. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Rescue 30 in care of the funeral home.

 

Ilene King, 87, of Versailles, formerly of Osgood passed away at 7:45pm, Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born near New Marion on July 23, 1929 the daughter of A. J. and Huldah Edens Meadows. She was married to Verland King on October 21, 1948 and he preceded her in death on May 18, 2005. Survivors include nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers John and Virgil Meadows, and her sisters Lucille Newhart, Nadah Holman, Lorene Ehlers, Rosamond Waters, Doris Murray, and Donetta Heacock. Mrs. King was a 1947 graduate of Delaware-Jackson High School in Napoleon and was also a graduate of the Indiana School of Cosmetology in Indianapolis. She had owned and operated her beauty shop in Osgood for 15 years and was a 17 year employee of the Ripley County Bank in Osgood. She had also been employed with the Ripley County Farm Bureau in Osgood as well as the Card and Gift Gallery in Osgood. Ilene was a member of the New Testament Christian Church in Osgood. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 27 at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Irvin Hart officiating. Burial will be in the Greendale Cemetery in Osgood. Visitation will be Saturday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Jennings County Hospice or the New Testament Christian Church in care of the funeral home.

 

Ralph W. Kunz, 78, of Osgood passed away at 6:20pm, Monday, May 22, 2017 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born near Napoleon on April 16, 1939 the son of Albert and Esther Peetz Kunz. He was married to Sylvia Russell on December 20, 1958 and she survives. Other survivors include three daughters Karen (Steve) Sullivan of Osgood, Marilyn (John) Washburn of Westport, and Lisa (Kyle) Seitz of Osgood; seven grandchildren Travis (Kimberly) Sullivan Jerid (Ally) Sullivan, Anita (Joe) Maloney, Michell (Jason) Schwering, and Tyler, Hunter, and Conner Seitz; 8 great-grandchildren; two brothers Tilford Brunner of North Carolina, and Bill (Rita) Robbins of Greensburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Howard, Cleo, Herschel, and Floyd Kunz, and his sister Vera. Mr. Kunz was a 1957 graduate of Napoleon High School. He served in the Indiana Army National Guard from 1956 to 1964 where he served as a scout driver and earned the sharpshooter badge with one bar. He was a former employee of ITT in North Vernon where he worked as a shipping foreman. He retired from Jac-Cen-Del High School in 2003 after working as a custodian for 20 years. Ralph enjoyed drinking coffee at the Whistle Stop and Red Barn in Osgood, riding his Harley, shooting guns, playing euchre, working with his hands, spending time with his family, and was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Otter Village”. Ralph was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church at Napoleon. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 26th at 11am at the St. John Lutheran Church in Napoleon with Pastor Donn Abdon officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites by the Osgood American Legion. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services at the church on Friday. Memorials may be given to Rescue 69 or the St. John Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.

 

Ida Evans Holdsworth, 99, of Versailles passed away at 8pm, Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Crown Pointe Assisted Living Center in Greensburg. She was born at Newport, Kentucky on August 21, 1917 the daughter of Edward and Rilla Messmer. She was married to Claude Evans who preceded her in death and then was married to Duke Holdsworth on August 23, 1973 and he also preceded her in death. Survivors include one step-son Gary (Patsy) Holdsworth of Versailles; two grandsons Scott (Kara) Holdsworth of Greensburg and Brian (Stacy) Holdsworth of Zionsville; 4 great-grandchildren Macy, Chancey, Jocelyn, and Braden, also her brother-in-law Gilbert Laycock of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky.  She was also preceded In death by her parents, her sister Grace Laycock, and her brother Edward Messmer. Mrs. Holdsworthwas a former employee of  Neustadt- Loring- Andrews Jewelers in Cincinnati and retired after 45 years with the purchasing department of Krogers in Cincinnati. She had enjoyed traveling in her lifetime including trips to Europe. Her hobbies included solving and framing Thomas Kincaid oil painting puzzles, crocheting, embroidery, and quilting. For 93 years of her life Ida was a member of the United Methodist Church, first in Southgate, Kentucky and after moving to Versailles she became a member of the Tyson United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Versailles Eastern Star. Eastern Star services will be held on Wednesday, May 24 at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles followed by funeral services with Rev. Mike Dixon officiating. Visitation will be from 10am until time of services. Graveside services will be on Wednesday at 2pm at the Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate, Kentucky. Memorials may be given to the Decatur-Shelby County Hospice or the Tyson United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.

 

Joseph B. Cook, 66, of Seymour passed away at 5:40am Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the Schneck Medical Center in Seymour. He was born in Cincinnati on January 13, 1951 the son of Joseph T. and Anna Miller Cook. He is survived by his brother David (Jackie) Cook of Versailles. He was also preceded in death by his sister Joan Cook, his brother Fabian Cook, and his niece Amanda Cook. Joseph was a longtime resident of the Elm Street Group Home in Seymour. He was a former participant in the Special Olympics and his favorite “things” included drinking soda pops, listening to Christmas music, and enjoying all kinds of Christmas trees. Visitation for Joseph will be from 10am to 11am Monday, May 22nd at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Entombment will follow at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.

 

Walter Lee Fugate IV 10 week old son of Walter III and Missy Ballard Fugate of Holton passed away on Friday, May 12, 2017 at his home. Walter Lee was born at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg on February 27, 2017. Besides his parents he is also survived by his sisters Alexis and Zoey at home; paternal grandparents Walter Jr. and Dawn Fugate of Dayton, Ohio; maternal grandmother Cindy Ballard of Bennington; paternal great-grandmothers Janice West of Batesville and Mary Fugate of Dayton, Ohio; maternal great-grandmother Melva Sipple of Bright; also surviving are Walter Lee’s aunts and uncles Latasha Whipple of Vevay, Amanda Whipple and Harold Ballard of Bennington, Mindy Campbell of Dillsboro, Glen Fugate of Branchville, Kim Fugate of Lawrenceburg, Megan Fugate of Dayton, Ohio, and achariah Fugate of Versailles. A celebration of Walter Lee’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 17 at 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Curtis Black of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean officiating. Visitation will be from 4pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.

 

Ruth Helen Risk, 90, of Versailles passed away at 11:30am, Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Aspen Health Campus in Greensburg. She was born at Holton on October 23, 1926 the daughter of John and Olive Colbert Fields. She was married to Glenn Risk on September 11, 1951 and he preceded her in death on May 31, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Norman, Charles, and John Fields, and her sisters Mary Walker, Wilma Gault, and Georgia Robb. Mrs. Risk was a 1944 graduate of Holton High School. She was a homemaker and had formerly worked as an Underwriter Claims Adjuster. Helen was a member of the Do-A-Lot Home Ec club and the Ripley County Red Hatters. Graveside services will be held on Monday, May 8th at 3pm at the Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Holton Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

 

Lawrence J. Strong, 87, of Batesville passed away at 8:55pm Monday, May 1, 2017 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born at Chardon, Ohio on January 6, 1930 the son of Robert and Ellen Mark Strong. He was married to Mary Ellen Curran Cave on March 21, 1998 and she survives. Other survivors include one daughter Becky Strong of Orlando, Florida; three sons Steve (Mary) Strong and Allyn (Jine) Strong both of Orlando, and Dennis (Janet) Strong of Pensacola, Florida; one step-son Jim (Lumi) Smith of Fairmont, West Virginia; one step-daughter Rebecca (Scott) Krohn of Batesville; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; one sister Ellen, and two brothers Paul and Bill both of Cleveland, Tennessee. Mr. Strong was retired from DA Lubricants in Indianapolis where he worked in sales. Lawrence’s wishes were to be cremated and services will be held at the convenience of the family. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of arrangements.

 

Robert E. Lafary, Jr., 65, of Versailles passed away at 11:50pm, Saturday, April 29, 2017 at his home. He was born at the Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville on October 29, 1951 the son of Robert and Donna Jo Bonfer Lafary. He was married to Kris Ford on March 24, 1990 and she survives. Other survivors include his mother Donna Jo Lafary of Versailles; one son Rob Lafary of Versailles; two daughters Amy Jo Lafary of Champaign, Illinois, and Faith Renee Lafary of Versailles; one sister Lisa (Butch) Allee of Versailles;  nephews Dustin and Dane Allee, his niece Shannon (Allee) Benham and his great-nieces Emma, Allee, Ella, and Ava. He is also survived by numerous individuals who considered him a father figure or simply referred to him as "Uncle Bobby." Mr. Lafary was a 1969 graduate of South Ripley High School and a 1971 graduate of Northwood University. Bob spent his career as a professional musician for 53 years and more specifically a professional drummer. He founded his first band the Steppin Stones as a teenager and in recent years headed the Bob Lafary Trio, playing several venues in the tri-state area. Away from music, he previously managed numerous hotels and restaurants throughout Southern Indiana, is a former employee and coach in the South Ripley Community School Corporation and was a licensed IHSAA baseball and softball umpire. Bob was an inductee of the Southeast Indiana Musicians Hall of Fame and he also attended the Versailles Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 4th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mike Cantrell officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the South Ripley Music Boosters to aid in their goal of purchasing new drums for the band or the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

Norman E. Comer, 91, of Greensburg passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Aspen Place Health Campus in Greensburg. He was born at home near Osgood on September 17, 1925 the son of George and Dorathea Thielbar Comer. He was married to Hazel Doyle on June 18, 1949 and she preceded him in death on February 22, 2013. Survivors include one son Duane (Joyce) Comer of Greensburg; three daughters Cynthia (Tom) Rimstidt of Osgood, Linda (Fred) Cook of Canton, Ohio, and Vickie Youngman and her fiancé Randy Lynd of Greensburg; 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; one sister Mabel Flick of Holton; two brothers Gayle (Barbara) Comer of Deerfield Lake, Florida, and Leroy (Louise) Comer of Osgood; He was also preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Leonard and Clarence Comer. Mr. Comer was a 1943 graduate of Osgood High School and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in agriculture in 1949. Norman was a former educator teaching agriculture and science in Osgood and Milton, Indiana school systems for 9 years. In his working career he also served 7 years as the Decatur County Assistant   Extension Agent, assistant manager of the Decatur County Farm Bureau Co-op for 3 years, Superintendent of roads for the Decatur County Highway Department, and for 3 years was a substitute mail carrier for the post office in Decatur County. Norman also worked as a farm loan officer for Union Bank & Trust for 15 years. He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Smyrna where he served as president of the Church Council, a member of the Purdue Agriculture Alumni Association, Decatur County Rural Couples Club, and the Decatur County Farm Bureau. He was an 8 year member and  president of the Decatur County School Board, former member and treasurer of the Decatur County Red Cross and a former member of the Indiana Bankers Association. Norman was a 4-H member and leader for 56 years and was a founding leader of the Smyrna Guys and Gals 4-H club. Norman was recognized as an International Ambassador by People to People International, a non-profit organization dedicated to world peace through international understanding. His wife Hazel and he had conducted national and international tours for 25 years. With his brother Clarence he represented Indiana in the National Plowing Contest for 11 years. Hazel and he were vendors at the farmers market in both Osgood and Batesville.  Norman was an ambassador and first resident volunteer at Aspen Place where he has resided the last four years. Funeral services for Norman will be held on Saturday, May 6th at 11am at the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Smyrna with Doug Brougher, worship leader officiating. Burial will be in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery at Napoleon. Visitation will be on Friday from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home and from 10am until time of services Saturday at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Smyrna. Memorials may be given to the Shriner’s Hospital, St. Paul Lutheran Church, or Our Hospice of Decatur/Shelby in care of the funeral home.
 

 

Carol “Buzz” Lohrum, 82 of Elrod, passed away Sunday, April 23rd, 2017 at his residence. He was born at Elrod, Indiana on April 27th, 1934 the son Albert Sr. and Eunice Rebekkah Elrod Lohrum.  He married Judy Cooley on September 6thn 1957 in St. George, Utah and she preceded him in death on November 11th, 2015. Survivors include his three sons; Rick, Roger, and Glen (Terri), one daughter; Brenda Lohrum, all of Milan, six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, one brother; Vic Lohrum of Milan, two sisters; Linda Bruce of Versailles and Alice (Don) Mathias of Dillsboro. Mr. and Mrs. Lohrum also helped raise Mitch and Mike Beagley and his sister in law Paula Hutchinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife as well as three brothers. Buzz retired from Pernod Ricard in Lawrenceburg, he and his wife owned and operated Elrod Superette, Lohrum’s Amoco; he also worked at Aurora Casket Company, Batesville Casket Company but Mr. Lohrum loved to serve the Lord in many capacities; youth minister, deacon, at Washington Baptist Church and a minister for North Hogan Hill Baptist Church. Buzz graduated from Versailles High School in 1952 and immediately following he joined the Navy, where he served till 1956. Buzz’s wishes were to be cremated and his memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 6th at 11:00am at the Washington Cemetery in Elrod with Brother Doug Norman officiating. Memorials may be given to the Washington Cemetery or donor’s Choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." JOHN 3:16

 

Mary C. Salyers, 85, of Holton passed away at 11:45am, Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. She was born at Jackson, Kentucky on January 26, 1932 the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Barltett Cole. She was married to Paul Salyers on November 22, 1948 and he preceded her in death on March 24, 2002. Survivors include her grandchildren Angie (Larry) Bilbrey of Columbus, Ohio, Donna (Eric) Bourke, Rob (Julie) Booster, and Roxanne (Jim) Poling all of Noblesville; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; one sister Bertie Myers of Greenwood. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her daughters Pamela Salyers and Belinda Booster; her sister Dorothy Poynter, and her brothers Seldon, Price, Edwin, Everett, Clarence, Raymond, and Dorsey Cole. Mrs. Salyers was retired from the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center. Her hobbies included gardening, playing bingo and euchre, and entertaining. Mary was a member of the Dabney Baptist Church and the Versailles American Legion Auxiliary. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 21st at 12pm at the Dabney Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Bell officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Visitation will begin at the church at 10am on Friday. Memorials may be given to the Dabney Baptist Church or the Holton Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. 

 

June O. Grinstead, 95, of Versailles passed away at 11:45am Saturday, April 15, 2017 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. She was born near Butlerville on August 7, 1921 the daughter of Edgar Kimball Speer and Stella Mae Klayer Speer. She was married to Irvin Grinstead on July 29, 1940 and he preceded her in death on March 9, 1994. Survivors include one daughter Linda (Doug) Rump of Versailles; one grandson Carl Beeman of Butlerville; one granddaughter Jenna (Evan) Hague of Washington, Illinois; 5 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Betty Lyle,  her son Thomas Grinstead, her grandson Paul A. Beeman, her brothers Willard, Dory, Fred, Everett, and John Speer, and her sisters Luella Speer, Dorothy Norris, and Elsie Baker. Mrs. Grinstead was a 1939 graduate of Butlerville High School and was a homemaker. June was a member of the New Testament Christian Church in Osgood. She had taught nursery level Sunday school classes for several years and worked with the Good News Club at South Ripley until the age of 90. These experiences brought her great joy and she was loved by all children. Her hobbies included quilting, crocheting, reading, studying her Bible, and doing word search puzzles. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 19th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Irvin Hart of the Osgood New Testament Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Tanglewood Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Osgood New Testament Christian Church or the Tanglewood Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
 

 

Gregory Joe Sizemore, 50, of Osgood passed away Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born at Madison, Indiana on February 22, 1967 the son of Charles H. and Eula M. Roark Sizemore. Survivors include his mother, two sons; Ryan and Dustin, two daughters; Stephani (Aaron Fox) and Madelyn, his ex-wife; Kim Tyler, two grandchildren; Cali and Owen all of North Vernon, three brothers; Randy (Lisa) of Holton, Robert (Billi) of Versailles and Edward of Osgood. He was preceded in death by his father.  Mr. Sizemore was a 1985 graduate of South Ripley High School and a former Environmental Driller for Hoosier Drilling in Versailles and also loved to fish, play Corn Hole, Horse Shoes and sports of all kinds, where Pete Rose was his Hero. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 17th at 11:00am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Brother Jim Wingate officiating. Burial will be in the Little Memory Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10am. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

 

David J. Acre, 65, of Friendship passed away Sunday, April 9, 2017 at his home. He was born at Milan on October 5, 1951 the son of Russell and Ora Roberts Acre. Survivors include one daughter Tammy Acre Bramel of Fairfield, Ohio; two grandchildren Lexie and Tyler Bramel; two sisters Erica Dennis of Harrison, Ohio and Pam Sandoze of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents Russell Acre and Ora Acre Alsop, and also his brother Charles Acre. Mr. Acre was a 1969 graduate of South Ripley High School. David was a career mechanic having worked at the Ripley County Highway Garage and was a very familiar face in Friendship where was employed at and retired from Whitey’s Auto Shop. David was a member of the Bear Creek Baptist Church and a former member of the Versailles Fire Department. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 13th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Sherman Hughes of the Bear Creek Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Akers Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Versailles Fire Department or the Friendship Fire Department in care of the funeral home.

 

Chester C. Vogel, 79, of Canaan passed away at 10pm, Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at University Hospital in Cincinnati. He was born at Friendship on July 10, 1937 the son of Walter and Leona Thieman Vogel. He was married to Margaret Elbrecht on September 22, 1962 and his wife of 54 years survives. Other survivors include one son Brian (Pam) Vogel of Scipio; one daughter Beth (Keith) Sieverding of Cross Plains; three grandsons Andrew and Stephen Sieverding, and Samuel Vogel; one sister Marietta (Junior) Niederbaumer of Farmers Retreat. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Vogel was a 1955 graduate of Vevay High School and was an Army veteran. He retired in 1995 from Seagrams where he had worked in security for 27 years. He had also worked as a self-employed trucker hauling milk and fertilizer, was once employed with Cummins, and also farmed. Chester was an accomplished fiddle player and was the second inductee into the Southeast Indiana Musicians Hall of Fame. He was a lifelong member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Dewberry. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, April 10th at the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Dewberry with Pastor Juan Luna officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Sunday from 3pm to 6pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Monday at the church. Memorials may be given to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ripley County 40 & 8, or the Friendship Fire Department in care of the funeral home.

 

Richard W. Kocher, 87, of Indianapolis passed away Tuesday, April 4Th, 2017 at University Heights Health and Living Community in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born at Indianapolis on September 20th, 1929 the son of Richard and Elizabeth Wright Kocher. He married Irene Watts on April 16th, 1960 and she preceded him in death on August 23rd, 2013. Survivors include one brother James Kocher of Indianapolis, and one sister Bessie Allison of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Kocher was an Air Force Staff Sergeant during the Korean Conflict, and also a retired Fireman of The Marion County Fire Department of 29 years. Richard was a beloved car enthusiast, Dick and Irene loved to get in the car and travel all over the country. They loved to visit all the little towns of America. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 8th at 11:00am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with his brother James Kocher officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9am until the time of service. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery or the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.

 

Otis D. Walston, 75, of Rexville passed away at 3am, Sunday, March 26, 2017 at his home. He was born near Patriot in Switzerland County on July 8, 1941 the son of James V. and Gladys Beach Walston. Survivors include five brothers William Walston of Rexville, John (Linda) Walston of New Marion, Ernest (Debbie) Walston and Kenneth (Elaine) Walston both of Versailles, and Russell Walston of Rexville; ten sisters Rose Moody and Essie Walston both of Madison, Mary Leach of Holton,  Dorothy (Louis) Kieffer of Osgood, Alta (Nelson) Harmeyer of Greensburg, Edith (Ray) Gunter of Holton, Ethel (Kenneth, Jr.) Bush of Rexville, Margaret Glenn of North Vernon, Lelah (Ernest) Bush of Versailles, and Betty (Michael) Meyer of Benham; 35 nieces and nephews, 58 great-nieces and nephews, and 3 great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother James V. Walston, Jr. Mr. Walston was a farmer in the Rexville area for several years and retired after 33 years as a bus driver for the South Ripley School Corporation. It is estimated that he would have bussed over 1500 children to school during his tenure with the South Ripley Schools. Otis enjoyed wood working, fishing, bowling, and going to auctions. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 30th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Tommy Beatley officiating. Burial will be in the West Fork Cemetery near Rexville. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on  Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.

 

Keith Goodpaster, 68, of Versailles passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky. He was born at Milan on February 8, 1949 the son of Frank and Eva Steele Goodpaster. Survivors include two brothers Rev. Frank (Paula) Goodpaster of Osgood, and Randy (Penny) Goodpaster of Greensburg; one sister Debbie (Don) Vogeler of Versailles. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Goodpaster was a former employee of Campbell-Hausfeld in Harrison and also worked at McDonalds’ in Greensburg. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 25th at 9:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Frank Goodpaster officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9am. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

 

Kenneth W. Myers, 71, of Versailles passed away at 3:45pm Sunday, March 19, 2017 at the Norton Hospital in Louisville. He was born at Milan on June 27, 1945 the son of Russell and Wilma Israel Myers. He was married to Barbara Snedaker on September 24, 1965 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Brian (BJ) Myers of Versailles; one daughter Courtney (Mike) Hughes of Osgood; five granddaughters Megan and Katie Myers, and Dillan, Reagan, and Delaney Hughes; four brothers Norman (Barbara) Myers of Rexville, Danny (Brenda) Myers of New Marion, Marvin (Janet) Myers of Versailles, and Russell, Jr. (Linda) Myers of Dillsboro; one sister Mary (Tom) Allen of Edwardsburg, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Myers was a 1963 graduate of New Marion High School. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War where served in the 7th Infantry of the 8th Army. For service to his country Kenny received the National Defense Service Medal, the AFEM Korean Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. In civilian life Kenny was a former employee of Cummins Engine in Columbus, Bonn Aluminum in Greensburg, and retired as a superintendent with Ohio Rod in Versailles where he had been employed for 37 years. Kenny also had attended the Indiana Barber College and had been employed as a barber with the Clifty Barber Shop in Madison. His favorite occupation though was that of being a farmer. Kenny was a long time member of the Shelby Christian Church where he served in several capacities. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 22nd from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in the Shelby Cemetery and military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be given to the Donn Snedaker Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Shelby Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

Naomi Joyce Dresselhaus, 91, of Cincinnati passed away at 5:30pm Sunday, March 19, 2017 at the Hospice of Cincinnati surrounded by her family. She was born at Turner’s Station in Henry County, Kentucky on October 9, 1925 the daughter of John and Nellie Ball Mahoney. She was married to Howard Dresselhaus on June 24, 1944 in the first recorded wedding at the Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friendship and he preceded her in death on August 1, 2003. Survivors include two daughters Jane and Jennifer; one grandson Mark and three great-grandchildren Tyler, Makenzie, and Alex all of Cincinnati.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Janice Dick, and her brother Philip Mahoney. Joyce was a 1943 graduate of Cross Plains High School. She retired from Hanover College in 1989 where she had worked as an assistant registrar. Joyce’s hobbies included knitting, traveling, and doing genealogy. In 1986 she published the Dresselhaus genealogy and published the Mahoney genealogy in 2005. The family had the opportunity to visit the Dresselhaus Estate in Schale, Germany in 1989. Joyce was a member of the Hanover Baptist Church and an Honorary Kentucky Colonel.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 25th from 12pm to 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. A graveside service will follow at the St. Peters Cemetery at Olean with Rev. Sherman Hughes of the Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friend ship officiating. Memorials may be given to the Hospice of Cincinnati or St. Peters Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

Viola Ruth Menchhofer Arsenault, 96, was born near Osgood, IN as the oldest daughter of nine children to Henry W. and Ethel (Dorrel) Menchhofer on October 27, 1920.  She attended Splashville grade school near their family’s farm home.  After graduation in 1939 from Versailles High School she went to Cincinnati and did house work until World War II broke out.  At that time she went to Indianapolis and worked in a defense plant until 1945 when she met and married Al Arsenault.  Al was in the Air Force and they travelled throughout Europe and England for a number of years. In 1955 they settled in Cheyenne, WY where Viola worked in retail for J. C. Penney’s for 20 years until she retired. Rest of her life was devoted to helping others as she lived in Rancho Cordova near family and was affectionately known as “Aunti Vi” to all of her nieces and nephews.  She passed away Saturday morning, February 25, 2017 at Fair Oaks, CA after many months of declining health.Two sisters, Rose A. Westerfeld, Greensburg, and Wilma E. Greene, Cross Plains, survive “Aunti Vi.”  Also surviving are her goddaughters and nieces, Vickie Belter, of Rancho Cordova, CA who was her caregiver for many years, and Tina Westerfeld, Greensburg, who shared the same birthday date as “Aunti Vi.”  Also surviving are an additional 15 nieces & nephews, 30 great nieces nephews, 59 great,great nieces & nephews and 3 great, great, great nieces & nephew.  She was predeceased by her parents, sister Opal Belter, brothers Irvin, Clarence, Floyd, Paul and Ray Menchhofer, 2 nephews, 2 great nieces, and 1 great, great niece.The family will conduct a Celebration of Life at 11 am on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery at Cross Roads near Batesville. Visitation will be Saturday from 9am until time of services.  In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to either the St. Paul Cemetery at Cross Roads or Tanglewood Cemetery in care of the funeral home.  

 

Mable Martin Wall, age 85, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on 2/28/2017.She was born in Florence, KY on April 2, 1931 the daughter of Cecil and Jessie Martin and they preceded her in death. She married Russell E. Wall on November 9, 1951 and he preceded her in death in 2004.  She was also preceded in death in 2010 by an infant great-grandson, M.J. Muniz.  She is survived by three children and their spouses, David (Bonnie) Wall of Milan, Robin (Jon) Stegemiller of Cross Plains, and Christy (Casey) Speer of Camby along with 8  grandchildren (Aurora Doster, Paige Wall, Abigail Wojciechowski, Nichole Arthur, Augusta Muniz, Caleb Carlock, Lucas Wall, and Hannah Carlock) and 13 great-grandchildren.  Other survivors are two brothers, Dr. Albert (Margery) Martin of Crittenden, KY and Dr. Cecil (Judy) Martin of Carrollton, KY along with several nieces and nephews.She was a devoted railroader’s wife and loving mother making Rexville her home for over 44 years.  She and her husband owned and operated a mink ranch.  They enjoyed training and showing their registered Tennessee Walking Horses.  In later years, they loved mule-skinning with close friends, circling the upper peninsula of Michigan to the Land between the Lakes.  She was an avid reader and loved to draw and sew.  A private service will be held at the convenience of the family with burial at Tanglewood Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to Tanglewood Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

 

Claud Isaacs, Jr., 89, of Correct passed away at 9:20pm Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born at Lebanon in Marion County, Kentucky on July 23, 1927 the son of Claud Sr. and Emily Clark Isaacs. He was married to Lois Smith on June 26, 1950 and she preceded him in death on September 22, 2002. Survivors include three sons Greg (Mary) Hilton of New Marion, Daniel (Teresa) Isaacs of Versailles, and Grant Isaacs of Greensburg; five daughters Claudia Isaacs of Swanton, Ohio, Glenna Baugh of Correct, Sandra (Bill) Fletcher of Dupont, Melanie (Jim) Hoffman of Adams, and Ellen (Jerry) Lowe of Bloomington; 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter; one sister Judy Cutler of Lebanon. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers George, Eugene, and Charles Isaacs, and his sisters Lydia Higdon, Sarah Spaulding, and Nancy Agan. Mr. Isaacs was an Army Air Force veteran of WWII where he served as a supply technician with the 851st, rising to the rank of Corporal. For service to his country Claud received the WWII Victory Medal. In civilian life he owned and operated Claud’s Body Shop in Correct for over 40 years. In his younger years he had worked at Chevrolet and also at Top and Body both in Indianapolis. He also worked at Abe’s Body Shop in Madison and for Henry Pulley in Versailles. Claud was an avid bird hunter and also belonged to the Brush Creek Conservation Club at Butlerville where he enjoyed trap shooting. He competed in the national trap shoot at Vandalia, Ohio and was once featured on ESPN. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 4th at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Tim Heim of the Shelby Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Garden near Madison. Visitation will be Friday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to Rescue 69 in care of the funeral home.

 

Gerald “Jerry”, “Nails” Smith, 69, of Vevay passed away at 4:47am Monday, February 27, 2017 at the Hospice of Cincinnati in Hamilton, Ohio. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 16, 1947 the son of Edward and Ruth White Smith. Survivors include one nephew, Scott (Rachael) Smith of Gainesville, Florida, Cousin; Pam (Frank) Rose of West Chester, Ohio, and one brother, James Smith of Gainesville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Smith was a 1966 graduate of Quarter Tech High School in Cincinnati. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War where served his country. Mr. Smith received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. In civilian life Jerry was a self-employed carpet installer. Jerry was a member of the Versailles and Osgood American Legion. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 2nd, at noon, at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Don Hooker officiating. Visitation will be from 10am until time of services. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. Memorials may be given to Versailles or Osgood American Legion or Hospice in care of the funeral home.

 

Harold “Bub” Stout, 83, of Versailles passed away at 12:05am Monday, February 20, 2017 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born in Portville, New York on August 2, 1933 the son of Harold and Josephine Garey Stout. Survivors include one son Bill Stout of Cincinnati; one daughter Beth (David) Fleming of Holton; 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; one brother Garey Stout of Elmira, New York; four sisters June Stout and Genny Houck both of Horseheads, New York, Mary Jackson of Tempe, Arizona, and Beverly Torrance of Dunkirk, New York. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Patricia Stout. Mr. Stout was a 1951 graduate of Horseheads High School in New York. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War where served on the USS Montrose. For service to his country Mr. Stout received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. In civilian life Harold was an engineer working for Owens-Illinois Glass which he retired from in 1992. Harold was a member of the Versailles American Legion. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 23rd at 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Ty Choate of the Hopewell Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will be from 6pm until time of services. Burial will follow at a later date. Memorials may be given to Operation Christmas Child in care of the Hopewell Baptist Church.

 

Paula Kaye Cranfill, 66, of Greensburg passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017 at her home. She was born at Moores Hill on April 29, 1950 the daughter of Loren and Clara Campbell Beggs. Survivors include two sons Kris (Mendey) Cranfill of Versailles and Brian Cranfill of St. Augustine, Florida; one daughter Jamie Copeland of Aurora; two sisters Wanda of Florence, Kentucky and Lori Hunter of Greensburg. Mrs. Cranfill was a 1968 graduate of Moores Hill High School. She was employed with Hitachi in Greensburg. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 23rd at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Doug Norman of The Bridge of Hope officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Moores Hill. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.

 

Lucille Warfield, 100, of Correct passed away at 7:40pm Sunday, February 19, 2017 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born at Correct on October 3, 1916 the daughter of Holman and Bertha Day Gookins. She was married to Carl Warfield on July 30, 1938 and he preceded her in death on October 2, 2003. Survivors include one son Tom (Lois) Warfield of Correct; one daughter Rebecca (Charles) Rogers of Carmel; 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother Ralph Gookins. Mrs. Warfield grew up at Correct on the family farm with her brother and parents. Her grandfather T. G. Day of Correct was a Civil War veteran having fought at Gettysburg and was held as a prisoner of war at Andersonville, Georgia. Lucille was a 1934 graduate of Versailles High School and completed the 2 year teachers course at Hanover College in 1936 before teaching at the Benham School in 1937. Since women were not allowed to be married and teach school her career ended upon marrying Carl in 1938. She also worked as a bookkeeper for Warfield Fertilizer. Lucille was a 60 year member of the Versailles Baptist Church and was also a member of the Correct Homemakers club. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 23rd at 3pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mike Cantrell officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be Thursday from 1pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery or the Versailles Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.

 

Martha Sandifar Shadday, 88, of Rexville passed away at 10:40am Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Thornton Terrace in Hanover. She was born in the West Fork community in Jefferson County on September 1, 1928 the daughter of Chester and Annie Stewart Sandifar. She was married to Kenneth Shadday on November 30, 1946 and he preceded her in death on December 17, 1994. Survivors include two sons Richard (Barbara) Shadday of Rexvile and Dennis (Sheila) Shadday of Morris; 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; one brother Bob (Shirley) Sandifar of Washington, Illinois; one sister Helen Gregory of Shelbyville. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers Gaylord, Elmer, Chester,Jr., and George Sandifar, and her sisters Mary Gray and Elma Kendall.  Mrs. Shadday was a former employee of Reliance Electric in Madison and retired from the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center where she worked as a cook. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing and tending to her flowers and garden. Martha was a member of the New Marion Baptist Church, the Versailles-Osgood Order of the Eastern Star, and the Versailles American Legion Auxiliary. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 22nd at 12pm at the New Marion Baptist Church with Rev. Harold Carter and Rev. Brad Creech officiating. Burial will be in the West Fork Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am until time of services on Wednesday also at the church. Memorials may be given to the New Marion Baptist Church or the West Fork Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

 

Esther R. Boyles, 98, of Versailles passed away at 12:45pm Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. She was born near Friendship on December 1, 1918 the daughter of William Henry and Elsie Hunger Fischvogt. She met Edward Boyles at a legion dance in Milan in 1939 and they were married on August 31, 1940 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean. Edward preceded her in death on September 11, 1992. Survivors include two daughters Sharen (Kenneth) Thomas of Cross Plains and Karen (Paul) Filter of Dillsboro; one son William Boyles of Bedford; 9 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother Denton Fischvogt, and her sister Irene Smock. Mrs. Boyles attended the Friendship School, attended two years of high school at Cross Plains, and was a 1937 graduate of Versailles High School. After high school she attended the Indiana Central Business College in Indianapolis. In her younger years Esther took vocal lessons and on one occasion she won the talent show at the Friendship Street Fair and along with Arnold “Shorty” Obendorf won a talent contest at the Sherman House in Batesville. She was also an accomplished poet and her book “Free to Fly” contains 100 poems she had written. She was a former employee of the Jefferson Proving Ground, the Friendship Post Office, and Contel Telephone in Versailles. Esther was a lifelong member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Olean and was also a member of the Versailles American Legion Auxiliary. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 13th at 10:30am at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean with Pastor Curtis Black officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Activities Fund at Ripley Crossing, the Alzheimers Foundation, or the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

 

Myrtie Mae Holman Franklin, 65, of the Hopewell Community near Holton passed away at   8:11pm  on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at her home with her loving family by her side. She was born at Knightstown on August 3, 1951 the daughter of the late Truman and Amelia Geisler Holman. Myrtie grew up in New Marion and attended the New Marion School and was a 1969 graduate of South Ripley High School. Myrtie married Frank Franklin, the love of her life and her best friend on May 7, 1971 and God blessed them with two children, daughter Wendy (Brian) Meyer of Cross Plains, and son Chad (Loretta) Franklin of the Hopewell Community; seven grandchildren Jacob, Lindsay, Sarah, Rachel, Scott, Carly, and Elijah. Other survivors include two brothers Harry (Bernadette) Holman and Roy (Vickie) Holman both of Versailles; two sisters Dina (Vernon) Herbert and Brenda Holman both of Milhousen. She was also preceded in death by her brother Lester Holman, her sister Darlene Holman, nephew Roger Holman, and her niece Tammy Holman. Myrtie was always athletic and loved to play softball, volleyball, basketball, ride horses, and basically anything outdoors. She loved to work beside her husband as they built their house and operated their farm for over 46 years. She was a former employee of US Shoe in Osgood and had worked as the superintendent for the Holton Water Corporation. Myrtie was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 14th at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Ty Choate officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 4pm to 8pm and will also take place at the church. Memorials may be given to the West Fork Cemetery, Hospice of South Central Indiana, or the Hopewell Baptist Church in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

 

Dorothy Morgan Hughes, 93, of Holton passed away at 12:45pm Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born at Anderson on June 21, 1923. She was married to Howard Morgan at the Union Flat Rock Baptist Church on June 30, 1940 and he preceded her in death on March 30, 1994. She was married to David Hughes, Jr. on September 7, 1996 and he preceded her in death April 12, 2012. Survivors include three sons Donald (Beverly) Morgan of Andrews, David (Loretta) Morgan and Howard Jr. (Martha) Morgan both of North Vernon; one daughter Twyla (Rev. Leonard) Waller of Versailles; 15 step-children; one sister Ruby Kurtz of Buffalo, New York; grandchildren Melissa (Larry) Towne, Donald Morgan, Steven (Barbara) Waller, Brian Waller, Jason (Ann) Waller, Roxanna (Darin) McIntire, Rhonda (Paul) Purdue, and Rachel Murray, 25 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her grandchildren Amy and Melinda Morgan, and Leonard Waller, Jr., and her sisters Katherine, Mildred, and Mary. Mrs. Hughes was a homemaker and a member of the Holton Wesleyan Church. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, February 12th at the Union Flat Rock Baptist Church with Dorothy’s grandson Pastor Steven Waller officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 1pm Sunday until time of services at the church. Memorials may be given to the Evangelistic Faith Mission or the Flat Rock Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

Arthur J. Simon, Jr., 84, of Osgood passed away at 6:40am Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at his home. He was born near Osgood on May 9, 1932 the son of Arthur Sr. and Eva Tunny Simon. He was married to Dolores Barhorst on June 15, 1954 and she survives. Other survivors include five sons Gary (Marla), David (Lavonne), Chris (Jackie), Randal (Rita), and Greg (Becky) Simon all of Osgood; three daughters Marilyn Linville of Osgood, Cheryl (Roger) Meyer of Greensburg, and Marcia (Ritchie) Moore of Goshen, Kentucky; 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; three brothers Charles (Lucille) Simon and Gene (Patty) Simon both of Osgood, and Dale (Bonnie) Simon of Bennington; four sisters Mary Gilland and Amelia (Louis) Wolter both of Osgood, Linda (Tim) Wissel of Greensburg, and Rita (Jim) Bedel of Westport. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Philip, and his brother Donald. Mr. Simon was a 1950 graduate of Osgood High School. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War where he served as a Signal Message Clerk with the 3rd Infantry Regiment from 1952 to 1954 and remained in the Army Reserves until 1960. For service to his country Arthur received the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. In civilian life Arthur was a dairy farmer and had also worked at Arvins in Columbus, the Johnson Wholesale Group in Greensburg, BCA in Greensburg, and also the Napoleon Lumber Company. Arthur was a member of the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood, the Osgood American Legion, the Ripley County Farm Bureau, the NRA, and was an avid supporter of the Indiana Right to Life. He was also a member of the Father Bernard Voges Council 8487 Knights of Columbus at Osgood where was a two term Grand Knight and also had served as treasurer as well as a trustee. Arthur also belonged to the 4th Degree Bishop Simon Gabriel Brute Assembly 246 in Lawrenceburg. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 11th at 10am at the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood with Father Frank Eckstein officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites by the Osgood American Legion. Visitation will be Friday from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Southeast Indiana Right to Life, Gibault School, or the St. John Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

Mary G. Rheinfrank, 74, of Osgood passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at her residence in Osgood, surrounded by loving family. She was born in Otter Village near Osgood, Indiana on June 9th, 1942, the daughter of Clarence and Theresa Rose Fullmer. She was married to Roy R. Rheinfrank on November 19, 1960 in Osgood. Survivors include two daughters; Connie Rheinfrank of Osgood and Stacie (Mike) Hughes of Osgood, one son; Roy (Debbie) Rheinfrank of Kokomo, Indiana, three grandsons; Dakota, Austin and Caleb, two sisters; Betty Biddle of Vevay and Ada Deaton of Ohio and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and three brothers; Jake, John and Clarence. She loved being with all her family, the outdoors and being a homemaker. Mary was a member of Osgood Baptist Church. Graveside services for Mary will be held on Monday, February 6th, 3:00pm at the Grandview Memorial Gardens in Madison with Rev. Steve Allen of the Osgood Baptist Church officiating.  Memorials may be given to the Margaret Mary Hospice or the Cancer Society in care of the funeral home.

 

Kenneth Jackson, 90, of Osgood passed away at 6:00pm Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the Aspen Place Health Campus in Greensburg. He was born at Versailles, Indiana on May 1, 1926 the son of Marshall and Estelle Fox Jackson. Kenneth married Pauline Schearer on November 1, 1945 in Indianapolis, Indiana and she preceded him in death on March 4, 1998. Survivors include one son James (Reyna), two daughters; Joyce (Gene) Wagner and Jeanne (Bob) DeBurger all of Osgood; 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; one brother Marion Jackson of Terre Haute, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three sisters; Neva Rea, Naomi Ruth Carter and Margaret Estel Jobst, two brothers; Willard Samuel and Hubert Jackson. Mr. Jackson worked for International Harvester in Indianapolis, but his true love was working with wood as a general carpenter and as a farmer for William Neal Sr., Doug Thayer and Greg Wehr and as well as his own farm. Kenneth was a member of Tanglewood Baptist Church. The Funeral will be on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Visitation will be Sunday from 2pm to 5pm at the funeral home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Kidney Foundation, Tanglewood Cemetery, Fishes and Loaves Community Food Pantry in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

 

Lawrence Nickell, 80, of Cross Plains passed away at 6:05pm Sunday, January 29, 2017 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. He was born at Mize in Morgan County, Kentucky on July 1, 1936 the son of Virgil and Virginia Wood Nickell. Survivors include two sons Terry (Margie) Nickell, and Danny Nickell both of Cross Plains; one daughter Beverly (Ed) Hunt of Morrow, Ohio; 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; two brothers Clayton (Kay) Nickell, and Henry Nickell both of Cross Plains; three sisters Dorothy (Bill) Knigga of Florida, Lucille Nickell of Pleasant, and Nancy Nickell of Washington, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Nickell was an Army veteran of the Korean War where he served with the 19th Quartermaster Company.   For service to his country Lawrence received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Ribbon, and the United Nations Service Medal. In civilian life Lawrence worked as a welder for over 30 years for Armco Steel. After retirement he did “house call” welding jobs in the Cross Plains community, drove a bus for the South Ripley schools, and enjoyed his horses. Lawrence was active in the Ripley County Republican party and served terms as a Ripley County Commissioner and also on the Ripley County Council. He was a member of the Versailles Masonic Lodge, the Versailles American Legion, and the Indianapolis Valley Scottish Rite. Lawrence’s wishes were to be cremated and a memorial service will be held on Friday, February 3rd at 7pm at the Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friendship with Rev. Sherman Hughes officiating. Visitation will be from 5pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Friendship Fire Department in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

 

Freeman B. Curran, 93, of Olean passed away at 7:20pm Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the Waters of Batesville. He was born near Greensburg on June 12, 1923 the son of Earl and Isabel Stevens Curran. He was married to Kathryn Miller on October 2, 1943 and she preceded him in death on June 11, 2008. Survivors include two sons Randy (Susan) Curran of Burlington, Kentucky and Michael (Tanya) Curran of Pinehurst, North Carolina; one daughter Pat Halford of Columbus, Ohio; 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; one brother Norman Curran of Missouri; one sister Mary Ellen (Larry) Strong of Batesville. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Don, Noble, and Eugene Curran, his sisters Wilma Robbins and Dorothy Lanning, and his son-in-law John Halford. Mr. Curran was forced to quit school after the 8th grade so he could help at home with his family during the days of the Great Depression. He was a “self- taught” carpenter having worked in Cincinnati and the Versailles area and was the general contractor for the construction of the Tyson Manor in Versailles. In his younger days he also worked as a lumberjack on the west coast and   on the railroad. As most folks of his generation, hard work was the order of the day and for relaxation he would read one of his many Louie L’amour books. Freeman was a member of the Church of the Living God in Cincinnati. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 29th at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bruce Kieviet officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery at Olean. Visitation will be Sunday from 12pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the St. Paul Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

Wilma Mulford, 88, of Dillsboro passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. She was born in Elrod on July 21st, 1928, the daughter of Harley and Effie Rahe May. She was married to Jim Mulford on December 6, 1964 at Green Chapel Church in Elrod. Survivors include her husband, one son; Gary (Bonnie) Miller of Vernon, Indiana, one daughter; Bonnie Cole of Milan, one grandson; Jim (Sandy) Cole of Dillsboro and four great grandchildren; Chris, Brandi, Jamie and T.J. She was preceded in death by her parents. She was a former employee of the Big Wheel, Colonial Cottage and Deutsch Pride. Wilma also attended Washington Baptist Church. Funeral services for Wilma will be held on Saturday, January 28th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Jack Bible officiating. Burial will be in the Washington Cemetery in Elrod. Visitation will be Friday from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Margaret Mary Hospice in care of the funeral home.

 

Michele Hountz, 52, of Dillsboro passed away Monday, January 23, 2017 at the Arbor Grove in Greensburg. She was born in Cincinnati on January 30,1964 the daughter of Frank and Sherry Goodin Evans. Survivors include two daughters; Megan (Josh) Murafski, of Elizabethtown, Ohio and Makayla Hountz of Dillsboro and Michele’s fiancé Denny Bushhorn of Napoleon; 1 grandchild; Maddox Murafski, 3 brothers Mark (Laura) Evans of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jeff (Christy) Evans of Dillsboro and Brian (Melanie) Evans of Versailles. She was preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Hountz was a caretaker and attended Strayer University for Social Work. Michele loved to be with her family, girls and taking care of her dogs. Memorial services for Michele will be held on Monday, January 30th at 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with William Fogle officiating.  Visitation will be Monday from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Ripley County Humane Society in care of the funeral home.

 

Sherry L. Evans, 78, of Dillsboro passed away at 5:15pm Monday, January 16, 2017 at the Dillsboro Manor. She was born in Cincinnati on December 11, 1938 the daughter of Deo and Elsie Clark Goodin. She was married to Frank Evans on June 7, 1958 and he preceded her in death on February 23, 2000. Survivors include three sons Mark (Laura) Evans of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jeff (Christy) Evans of Dillsboro, and Brian (Melanie) Evans of Benham; one daughter Michelle Hountz and her fiancé Denny Bushhorn of Napoleon; 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; 6 brothers Donald (Bernice) Goodin of Cedar Grove, Tom (Nora) Goodin of Greendale, Kenneth (Pam) Goodin of Brookville, Michael (Teresa) Goodin of Dandridge, Tennessee, Jim Goodin of Harrison, Ohio, and Frank Goodin of Cedar Grove; three sisters Cathy (Huston) Bolser of Cedar Grove, Margie (Steve) Clark of West Harrison, and Dian (Fred) Hubbard of Bright; sister-in-law Rosie Goodin of West Harrison. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Charles Goodin. Mrs. Evans was a1956 graduate of Whitewater High School in Franklin County. She was a former employee of the Palm Beach Suit Company in Newport, Kentucky and had also worked for Krogers in Lawrenceburg. Sherry’s main occupation though was raising her children and helping Frank on the farm. Her hobbies included doing needlework and reading through what her children described as a collection of nearly a thousand books! Funeral services for Sherry will be held on Friday, January 20th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Logan Fugate of the Cross Plains Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in the Craven Cemetery near Milan. Visitation will be Thursday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Ripley County Relay for Life or the Craven Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

herry L. Evans, 78, of Dillsboro passed away at 5:15pm Monday, January 16, 2017 at the Dillsboro Manor. She was born in Cincinnati on December 11, 1938 the daughter of Deo and Elsie Clark Goodin. She was married to Frank Evans on June 7, 1958 and he preceded her in death on February 23, 2000. Survivors include three sons Mark (Laura) Evans of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jeff (Christy) Evans of Dillsboro, and Brian (Melanie) Evans of Benham; one daughter Michelle Hountz and her fiancé Denny Bushhorn of Napoleon; 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; 6 brothers Donald (Bernice) Goodin of Cedar Grove, Tom (Nora) Goodin of Greendale, Kenneth (Pam) Goodin of Brookville, Michael (Teresa) Goodin of Dandridge, Tennessee, Jim Goodin of Harrison, Ohio, and Frank Goodin of Cedar Grove; three sisters Cathy (Huston) Bolser of Cedar Grove, Margie (Steve) Clark of West Harrison, and Dian (Fred) Hubbard of Bright; sister-in-law Rosie Goodin of West Harrison. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Charles Goodin. Mrs. Evans was a1956 graduate of Whitewater High School in Franklin County. She was a former employee of the Palm Beach Suit Company in Newport, Kentucky and had also worked for Krogers in Lawrenceburg. Sherry’s main occupation though was raising her children and helping Frank on the farm. Her hobbies included doing needlework and reading through what her children described as a collection of nearly a thousand books! Funeral services for Sherry will be held on Friday, January 20th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Logan Fugate of the Cross Plains Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in the Craven Cemetery near Milan. Visitation will be Thursday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Ripley County Relay for Life or the Craven Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

 

Ray L. Raney, 85, of Versailles passed away at 4pm Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born in the Splashville community  near Versailles on September 21, 1931 the son of Herschel and Edith Black Raney. He was married to Elizabeth Daugherty Jackson on December 6, 1979 and she preceded him in death on July 24, 2009. Survivors include one son Mike (Bonnie) Raney of Versailles; four grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William Raney, and his sister Marianna Hyatt. Mr. Raney was a 1949 graduate of Versailles High School. He was a farmer and had also worked at the IKE power plant, for the Indiana State Highway Department, and was manager of the Versailles State Park from 1961 to 1965. In 1998 Indiana Governor Frank O’Bannon named Ray a Distinguished Hoosier and in 2003 Governor O’Bannon honored Ray as a Sagamore of the Wabash. Ray was a member of the Dabney Baptist Church, the Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite, a life member of the William F. Rayner FOP, and was a member of both the Versailles and Holton Masonic Lodges where he held several offices. Ray along with his father and his son had ridden their horses in over 70 Pumpkin Show parades as well as the Regatta Parade in Madison and in other area parades. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 19th at 11am at the Dabney Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Bell officiating. Burial will be in the Tanglewood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Thursday at the church. Masonic services will be conducted at 7:30pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Tanglewood Cemetery or the Dabney Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.

 

 

Diana D. Edwards, 69, of Olean passed away Saturday, January 14, 2017 at her home. She was born at the Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville on August 17, 1947 the daughter of Charles and Georgia Jordan Smith. She was married to John Edwards and he preceded her in death. Survivors include one son Kevin (Sherry) Rutherford of Aurora; one daughter Kimberly (Eric) Minch of Vevay; 6 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two sisters Dorene Kash of Milan and Donna (Larry) Thomas of Versailles. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Florine Eldridge, and her brothers James Smith and Charles Smith, Jr. Mrs. Edwards retired from the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center where she worked as a supervisor. She had also been employed as a Corrections Officer at the Indiana State Women’s Prison in Indianapolis as well as jobs with Brockway Glass in Lapel an as independent truck driver for Ritz Management. Diana was a member of the Milan American Legion Auxiliary. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 18th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will be at the Busse Cemetery near Sunman. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Busse Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

 

Barbara Gilbert, 70, of Milan/Moores Hill passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Christ hospital in Cincinnati. She was born in Lawrenceburg on June 28, 1946 the daughter of Elton and Phyllis Wellman Schilson. She was married to Donald Gilbert on December 9, 1967 in Dearborn County and he survives. Survivors include one son Robert Copeland of Milan; one daughter Dawnelle (RJ) O’Neal of Osgood; 4 grandchildren; Paul, Holly, Villete and Mary-Kate; 2 great grandchildren; one brother; Richard Schilson of Milan; one sister Kathy Myers (Bob) Kreese of Versailles. She was preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Gilbert worked as a manager at the Liquor Cabinet in Milan and Moores Hill. Her hobbies included making and attending craft shows, grandchildren and watching birds. Barb loved to cook and help people, she would help even a stranger that needed it and never ask for anything in return. Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, January 14th, 2017 from 10:00am to 12noon at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the donors choice.