Stratton - Karsteter Funeral Home
Versailles Indiana
812 - 689 -1171

Obituaries for Year 2017

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 3^rd, 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 21^st 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 18^th 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 8^th 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 25^th 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 22^nd 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 21^st 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 14^th 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 11^th 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 27^th, 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 30^th 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 23^rd 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 9^th 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 7^th 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 5^th 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 4^th 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.  

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 26^th 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 23^rd 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.

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 16^th 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.

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 8^th 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.

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.

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 22^nd 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 18^th 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.

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