Stratton - Karsteter Funeral
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Versailles Indiana
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Obituaries
for Year 2011
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Emily Marie Huntington, 18, of Osgood passed away Friday, December 30, 2011 near Osgood as the result of a single car accident. She was born at Lawrenceburg on October 6, 1993. Survivors include her father Leonard Huntington of Osgood; her mother and step-father Jodi and Jason Comer of Osgood; brothers Luke, Ty, and Beckham Comer; paternal grandparents George and Barbara Huntington of Osgood; maternal grandparents Pat Graves of Versailles, Neil and Marilyn Comer of Osgood, and Steve and Marlene Hedrick of Batesville; maternal great-grandmothers Edith Comer of Osgood and Zuella McNew of Holton; Aunts and Uncles Stephen and Trish Huntington of Osgood, Travis and Pam Draper of Aurora, Karl and Jenny Mockler of Avon, Brian and Molly Steele of Carmel, Julie Comer of Phoenix, and Eric and Katie Sheets, Shawn and Kara Hieser, and Brian and Anna Lane all of Indianapolis, along with several cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandfather Hank Graves. Emily was a senior at Jac-Cen-Del where she was a member of the Lady Eagles basketball team, golf team, and dance. She was also a member of the Jac-Cen-Del chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Honor Society. Emily, as a member of the Sunshine Society was chosen Miss Sunshine for 2011 and had the honor of representing Jac-Cen-Del in the Aurora Farmer’s Fair queen contest. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Osgood, was currently employed with Subway in Versailles, and also volunteered at the Ripley County Humane Society. Emily’s plans were to attend Indiana University in the fall of 2012 and major in graphic design. She enjoyed her horses, playing her guitar, singing, and most of all baking “scrumptious” desserts. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd at 2pm at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. David Shivers officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be on Monday from 3pm to 8pm also at the Hopewell Baptist Church. Memorials may be given to the Ripley County Humane Society in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.
Jean Holman Clemons, 75, of Versailles passed away Friday, December 30, 2011 at Ripley Crossing. She was born at Milan on September 16, 1935 the daughter of Earl and Mary Busching Holman. She was married to Kenneth Clemons on June 21, 1971 and he survives. Other survivors include one son Bob Clemons of Versailles; one daughter Mary Frances (Rob) Creazzo of Fountaintown; also her dog Jake. Mrs. Clemens was a 1954 graduate of Versailles High School and was a member of the Versailles Church of Christ. Jean and her husband delivered the Indianapolis newspapers for several years in the Versailles area. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and following the Chicago Cubs. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 3rd at 11am at the Versailles Church of Christ with Dale Day officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Visitation will also be Tuesday from 9am until time of services at the church. Memorials may be given to the Church of Christ in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.
Dale E. Wendelman, 80, of Dillsboro passed away Saturday, December 24, 2011 at the Dillsboro Manor. He was born near Manchester in Dearborn County on May 17, 1931 the son of Milton and Marie Lattire Wendelman. He was married to Verneda Cook on September 7, 1957 and she survives. Other survivors include one daughter Kim (John) Ascherman of Aurora; grandchildren Kyle and Hannah Ascherman. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Wendelman was a 1951 graduate of Milan High School and was an Army Veteran of the Korean War. He was a former bus driver for the South Dearborn School system, operated Dillsboro Floral from 1954 to 1970, and also Wendelman’s Sound and Lighting Service in Dillsboro since 1954. Dale was a member of the Chapter 4 Veterans of the Korean War in Aurora, was a former member of the Dillsboro Fire Department and was a member of the Dillsboro American Legion. He helped organize and was past president of the Dillsboro Civic Club and the Dillsboro Life Squad. He also had served as past president of the South Dearborn Music Boosters and was president for the re-organization of the Dearborn County Fair. Mr. Wendelman was a member of the Indiana Association of County and District Fairs where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1993 and was named Member of the Year in 1998. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 29th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery at Stumpke’s Corner with military graveside rites by the Korean War Veterans of Aurora. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Dillsboro Civic Club’s Christmas Street Light fund in care of the funeral home.
Elsie K. Franklin, 78, of Holton passed away Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. She was born near New Marion on December 23, 1932 the daughter of Howard and Marie Siebein Andress. She was married to William Franklin on February 28, 1949 and he preceded her in death on September 2, 2004. Survivors include two sons Gary (Lois) Franklin and Dennis (Dixie) Franklin both of Holton; 6 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters Carolyn (Paul) Fisk and Brenda (Delmar) Mills both of Versailles. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her sister Betty Shinkle Wilson. Mrs. Franklin worked as a cook and also as an instructional aide at the Holton and South Ripley Elementary Schools. Elsie was a member of the Holton Christian Church for over 50 years where she participated in the Mother’s Class and was a Sunday School teacher. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 20th at 11am at the Holton Christian Church with Dale Day and Bro. Bob McCreary officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Visitation will be 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 Holton Christian Church or the Holton Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
James H. Booster, 90, of Versailles passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. He was born in Johnson Township near Versailles on October 13, 1921 the son of Clifford and Laura Ehlers Booster. He was married to Odella Fruchtnicht on January 18, 1944 and she preceded him in death on December 22, 2009. Survivors include one son Kenneth (Janet) Booster of Plainfield, Illinois; two daughters Janice (Nick) Minkler of Forest, Virginia and Sally Davison of Versailles; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Eric Davison, his brother Louis Booster, and his brother Robert Booster who also died December 14, 2011. Mr. Booster was a Navy veteran of WWII where he served with the 26th Naval Construction Battalion. He received the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Booster was a farmer and had owned and operated J.H. Booster Electrical and Refrigeration. Jim was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon and the Versailles American Legion. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 19th at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Gary Groth officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery at Napoleon with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. Memorials may be given to the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.
Robert J. Booster, 86, of Versailles passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at the Cornerstone Hospice Center in Tavares, Florida. He was born in Johnson Township near Versailles on October 6, 1925 the son of Clifford and Laura Ehlers Booster. He was married to Esther Hunteman on August 10, 1946 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Donald (Belinda) Booster of Noblesville and Rev. Mark (Ruth) Booster of Republic, Ohio; three daughters Marilyn (Wayne) Percifield of Mt. Dora, Florida, Carol (Sam) Lapin of Burlington, Kentucky, and Ann (John) Tuhela of Longwood, Florida; 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Louis Booster and his brother James Booster who also died December 14, 2011. Mr. Booster was a Navy veteran of WWII where he served in Hawaii as a Radioman Second Class. He received the WWII Victory Ribbon, American Area Ribbon, and the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon. He attended Texas A & M and also studied electronics at Northwestern University near Chicago. Bob was a farmer and a self-employed truck driver. He was also the former owner of the Sinclair Station in Versailles and Booster’s TV in Versailles and Osgood. Mr. Booster was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Olean. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 19th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mark Booster officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Olean with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or St. Peter’s Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Gertrude T. Meisberger, 90, of New Marion passed away Monday, December 5, 2011 at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born near New Marion on June 21, 1921 the daughter of John and Regina Holzer Eckstein. She was married to Romuald Meisberger on September 3, 1938 and he preceded her in death on July 14, 1987. Survivors include nine sons Melvin(Sandra), David(Sherron), Phillip(Rita), John(Diane), Dwight, and Charles Meisberger all of New Marion, Donald(Josie) Meisberger of Camby, Arthur Meisberger of Olean, and Mark Meisberger of Indianapolis; two daughters Dolores (Howard) Souder and Mary (Greg) Hilton both of New Marion; 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law Opal Day of Versailles and Mildred (Damon) Webster of Benham. She was also preceded in death by her parents, daughter Michelle Lynn Meisberger, great-granddaughter Kayleigh Marie Meisberger, half-brothers John, Matthew, and Edward Eckstein, half-sisters Carrie Stewart, Katherine Kurtz, and Margaret Eckstein, brothers Herman, Charles, and Bernard Eckstein, and sisters Irene Doyle and Leona Suttinger. Mrs. Meisberger obtained her high school diploma later in life graduating with the first class at South Ripley in 1967. She was a life member of the St. Magdalene Catholic Church and was also a member of the Ripley County Red Hatters, the Versailles American Legion Auxiliary, and the Homemakers Club. Gertie was a homemaker and had worked as a cook at the New Marion School and the Versailles Elementary School. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 9th at 10:30am at the St. Magdalene Catholic Church in New Marion with Father Shaun Whittington officiating. Burial will be in the St. Magdalene Cemetery at Madison. Visitation will be Thursday from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rosary services at 7:30pm. Memorials may be given to the St. Magdalene Catholic Church or Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Charles “Chuck” William Clayton Jr., 70, of Dillsboro passed away Friday, November 25, 2011 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born Lawrenceburg, Tennessee on August 14th, 1941 the son of Charles Sr. and Velma Gilliam Clayton. Chuck married Karen McEwan in Stoughton Massachusetts on October 14, 1960 and she survives. Other survivors include his one son Jeff and Terri of Dillsboro, three grandchildren: Victoria “Tori”, Christian, and Charles III “Trey”, one sister: Charlotte “Clancy” (Phil) Eakes of Nashville Tennessee and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Clayton was a Navy Airplane Captain from 1959 – 1962, Versailles Christian Assembly in 1977, Founder and currently apostle for the Apostolic Resource Ministries/Versailles Community Church. Chuck was a member of South Ripley Ministerial Association, board member of the International Coalition of Apostles and he ministered nationally and internationally to churches. A Celebration Service with Dr. Bob Lemon will be held on Monday, December 5th at 7pm at the Cornerstone Christian Fellowship at Waldron. Memorials may be given to the South Ripley Ministerial Association (SRMA) in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home
Lou Ellen Geabes, 82, of Seymour passed away Monday, December 5, 2011 at the Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus. She was born in Waynesburg, Kentucky on September 5, 1929 the daughter of Raymond Sr. and Lula Oaks Sanders. She was married to George Geabes on November 21, 1952 and he preceded her in death on November 11, 2011. Survivors include two sons George Scott (Suzann) Geabes and John P. Geabes both of Seymour; one daughter Lou Ann (Archie) Sams of Campbellsville, Kentucky; 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; one brother Ray Sanders of Versailles; one sister Lillian (Dallas) Jacobs of Waynesburg, Kentucky. She was also preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Fredericka Sams, and her sisters Mary Lay, Christine Weaver, and Dorothy Burress. Mrs. Geabes was a homemaker. Graveside services will be held Saturday, December 10th at 11am at the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles with Pastor Jeff Hood of the Marion Baptist Church in Commiskey officiating. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.
Irvin R. Meierle, 75, of New Marion passed away Sunday, November 27, 2011 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. He was born near New Marion on March 12, 1936 the son of Charles and Clara Matz Meierle. Survivors include one son Michael (Paula) Meierle of Dublin, Ohio; two brothers Harold Meierle of New Marion and Garry (Janet) Meierle of Benham; two sisters Genevieve Pickett of Los Angeles and Charlotte (Robert) Terrican of St. Louis. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Dalbert, Marcee, and Charles Meierle, and his sisters Mary Gigerich, Evelyn Meierle, and Ruth Burske. Mr. Meierle was a 1954 graduate of New Marion High School and was a member of St. Magdalene Catholic Church. Irvin was a former sales representative for Moor-Man Feeds, had been a farmer, electrician, and had served as an engineer on a barge operating on the Mississippi River. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 1st at 10:30am at St. Magdalene Catholic Church in New Marion. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rosary services at 7:30pm. Memorials may be given to the St. Magdalene Cemetery or the donors choice in care of the funeral home.
Charlie Fink, 60, of Milan passed away Sunday, November 27, 2011 at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born in Batesville on August 3, 1951, the son of Leroy Edward and Antoinette Edna Stenger Fink. Survivors include his companion Bonnie Cole, sons; Rob Ridner and Rick Ridner both of Milan, Randy Ridner of Pierceville, Kevin Ridner of Moores Hill, Jimmy Cole of Dillsboro, two daughters; Debbie Geisting of Indianapolis and Sandy Markwhit of Milan; two sisters; Bernadine Ickenroth of Moores Hill and Teresa Garrison of Sunman. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Tony Fink. Mr. Fink served in the Army from 1969 to 1971, a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church and the Milan American Legion. Mr. Fink was retired from Hilenbrand. Funeral Service will be Friday, December 2nd, 2011 at 11:00am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Rick Mosley. Memorials may be given to the donors choice in care of the funeral home.
Ruby M. Firth, 82, of Versailles passed away Sunday, November 27, 2011 at her home. She was born at Milan on December 12, 1928 the daughter of Floyd and Stella Simpson Fletcher. She was married to Robert “Bine” Firth on May 22, 1950 and he survives. Other survivors include two daughters Terri (Al) Turchan of Bridgeville, Delaware and Mindy (Steve) Lauber of Dillsboro; four grandsons Nate Kingery of Dansville, New York, Nick (Tamra) Kingery of Oklahoma City, and Alec and Drew Lauber of Dillsboro; one step-granddaughter Rochelle Turchan; two great-grandchildren Emania and Zachary Kingery; two sisters Jean Kennedy of Versailles and Shirley (Wayne) Turner of Milan; one brother Ron Fletcher of Versailles. Mrs. Firth was a 1946 graduate of Milan High School and was a homemaker. She retired after 31 years of employment with the Social Security Administration in Madison. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 5th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. David Shivers of the Hopewell Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at Versailles. Visitation will be Sunday from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Jessie L. Black Schamel, 79, of North Vernon passed away
Friday, November 25, 2011 at St. Andrew’s Health Campus in Batesville. She was
born at Owenton, Kentucky on August 8, 1932 the daughter of Arthur and Susie
Bradney Jackson. She was married to Charles Black on November 1, 1950 and he
preceded her in death on December 24, 1966. She was married to Olin Schamel on
November 22, 1967 and he preceded her in death on September 24, 1999. Survivors
include one daughter Cheryll (Paul) Obendorf of Olean; five sons Charles (Jane)
Black of Newport, Oregon, James (Debi) Black of Milan, John (Julia) Black and
Bill (Dawn) Black both of North Vernon, and Scott (Aneitha) Schamel of
Louisville; two step-daughters Pamela (David) Carroll of Floyds Knobs and Cheryl
(David) Boren of New Albany; 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 3
step-grandchildren, and 1 step-great-grandchild; one sister Bessie Gourd of Dry
Ridge, Kentucky; brother-in-law Marvin Black of Walton, Kentucky. She was
preceded in death by her daughter Marla Robles, grandson Matt Obendorf, her
brother Donald Jackson, and her sister Ruth Caroline Jackson. Mrs. Schamel was a
member of the Eastern Star at North Vernon and also belonged to the NRA. She had
attended the Bethel Baptist Church in North Vernon and the New Marion Baptist
Church. Jessie had managed apartments for Cardinal Industries and also was the
former manager of the North Vernon Airport. Funeral services will be held
Tuesday, November 29th at 10:30am at the Versailles Baptist Church
with Rev. Bill Secrest of the First Baptist Church of Aurora officiating. Burial
will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5pm to 8pm at
the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9:30am until time of
services Tuesday at the church. The Versailles Eastern Star will conduct
services Monday at 7:30pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Trilogy
Fund at St. Andrew’s , the Cliff Hill Cemetery, or Matt’s Mission in care of the
funeral home.
Virginia J. Kelso, 94, of Osgood passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at the home of her son in Crossville, Tennessee. She was born at Shelbyville on September 7, 1917 the daughter of Herschel and Sina Spurlin Jackson. She was married to Wayne Kelso on July 26, 1937 and he preceded her in death on August 1, 1998. Survivors include one son Jack (JoAnn) Kelso of Crossville, Tennessee; two daughters Sandra (Bill) Gloyd of Osgood and Sara Hatton of Indianapolis; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Janet Heidorn and her son-in-law Steve Hatton. Mrs. Kelso was a 1934 graduate of Shelbyville High School and was a homemaker. Virginia was long time member of the Osgood United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 29 at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Ginny Hizer of the Osgood United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Star Cemetery at St. Omer. Visitation will be Tuesday from 11am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Osgood United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.
Chad Edward Zapfe, 36, of the Hopewell community passed away Monday, November 21, 2011 at his home. He was born in Indianapolis on September 10, 1975 the son of Donald and Mona LaBolt Zapfe. Survivors include his father and step-mother Donald and Angie Zapfe of the Hopewell community; his mother Mona LaBolt of the Hopewell community; his sister Jennifer Zapfe of the Hopewell community; his maternal grandmother Mrs. Opal LaBolt also of the Hopewell community; his uncles Raymond (Jesse) Zapfe of Milhousen, Bernard (Judy) Zapfe of Westport, and James Zapfe of Moss Point, Mississippi; his aunts Mary Ann (Richard) Wamsley of Greensburg and Melinda (John) Braley of Versailles; and also his cocker spaniel Toby. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Edward and Frances Zapfe and his maternal grandfather Warren LaBolt. Mr. Zapfe was a 1994 graduate of South Ripley High School and was a former employee of Ohio Rod in Versailles. He also had worked in construction and was a member of the Carpenters Union. Chad enjoyed fishing and hunting and being outdoors. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 26 at 10:30am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. David Shivers officiating. Burial will be in the Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home and from 9:30am Saturday until time of services at the church. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.
Clarence Iceberg, 71, of Cross Plains passed away
Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. He
was born near Cross Plains on May 8, 1941 the son of Leslie and Norma Nolker
Iceberg. Survivors include his aunt Virginia Iceberg of Cross Plains; cousins
Daniel (Carol) Iceberg of Cross Plains, Diane (Terry) Deamron of Greenwood, Judy
(Chuck) Hall of St. Charles, Illinois, Ileene (Larry) Smith of Monroe, Michigan,
Phyllis Demaree of Versailles, and Marsha Jones of Ft. Mills, South Carolina. He
was preceded in death by his parents, and his cousins Darlene Lohide and Gary
Smith. Mr. Iceberg farmed with his father and had attended school at Pleasant
and Cross Plains. Clarence was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in
Dewberry. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 22 at 11am at St.
Paul’s Lutheran Church in Dewberry with Pastor Ralph Campen and Pastor William
Stache officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be
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 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Improvement Fund or St. Paul’s Cemetery Endowment
Fund in care of the funeral home.
Mayme Renfro, 92, of Holton passed away Monday, November 14, 2011 at her home. She was born at Manchester, Kentucky on August 7, 1919 the daughter of Robert and Lizzie Keith Sizemore. She was married to Walter Renfro on December 9, 1939 and he preceded her in death on May 13, 2005. Survivors include two sons Walter (Linda) Renfro, Jr. of Holton and Fred (Jeanie) Renfro of Rising Sun; three daughters Myrtle (Earl) Moberly of Holton, Donna (David) Hamilton of Rexville, and Joyce (Keith) Scott of New Marion; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; one brother Woodie (June) Sizemore of Versailles; one sister Shirley Keeton of Versailles. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Craft, John, Vernon, and Frank Sizemore and her sisters Myrtle Lainhart, Allie Hacker, Martha Scott, Vergie Baker, Esther Baker, and Jeanette Druschel. Mrs. Renfro was a former Avon sales representative and had worked at the Holton Creamery. She and her husband Walter had spent their winters in St. Cloud, Florida for 40 years. Mayme attended the Shelby Christian Church. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 17th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with Randy Thieman of the Shelby Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Shelby Christian Church in care of the funeral home.
Clarence (Tom) Cromer, 82, of Osgood passed away Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Arbor Grove Village in Greensburg. He was born at Chesney, South Carolina on April 2, 1929 the son of Albert and Molly Bolton Cromer. He was married to Dorothy Curry and she preceded him in death on September 1, 2005. Survivors include one step-daughter Carolyn (Bill) Brown of Greensburg; 4 grandchildren; one brother Leonard Cromer of Chesney, South Carolina. Mr. Cromer was had been a heavy equipment operator and was a former employee of Randalls in Greensburg. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 15 at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with burial in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be from 10am until time of services at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Lucille Hoeferkamp, 91, of Versailles passed away Saturday, November 12, 2011 at her home. She was born at Friendship on January 9, 1920 the daughter of Arthur and Virgie Ellison Disbro. She was married to Earl Hoeferkamp on July 31, 1937 and he preceded her in death on February 3, 1998. Survivors include four daughters Arlene (Jim) Evans and Norma (Terry) Woolum both of Versailles, Phyllis (John)Green of Cincinnati, and Sharon (Jerry) Benham of Aurora; 7 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sons Elvan and Irvin Hoeferkamp, her grandson Jeff Woolum, her brothers Charles Disbro and Arthur Disbro, Jr., and her sister Eleanora Morris. Mrs. Hoeferkamp was a member of the Versailles Baptist Church and had worked as a cook at the Versailles Elementary School and also at the Silver Bell Nursing Home. Lucille was also a homemaker and had assisted her husband Earl in farming in the Versailles community their entire married life. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 16 at 11am at the Versailles Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Walker officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4pm
George F. Geabes, 82, of Seymour passed away Friday, November 11, 2011 at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born at Clay City, Indiana on February 11, 1929 the son of Paul and Emma Spreen Geabes. He was married to Lou Ellen Sanders and she survives. Other survivors include two sons George Scott (Suzann) Geabes and John P. Geabes both of Seymour; one daughter Lou Ann (Archie) Sams of Campbellsville, Kentucky. Mr. Geabes was a veteran of the Air Force where he served with the 373rd Squadron at Lackland, AFB, Texas. George was a former resident of Bedford and was a member Bedford F & AM #14. He was an Electronics Technician having worked for GAC, an RCA distributor in Indianapolis. Graveside services will be held Monday, November 14 at 11am at the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles with Rev. David Shivers of the Hopewell Baptist Church officiating. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.
Robert E. McNew, 87, of the Hopewell community near Holton passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at his home. He was born at Osgood on December 17, 1923 the son of Wilbur and Lena Heaton McNew. He was married to Zuella Hull on April 17, 1949 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Marvin (Sue) McNew of Holton; three daughters Marlene (Steve) Hedrick of Batesville, Kathy Jones of Lawrenceburg, and Gail Dicus of Aurora; 13 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter Crystal Dicus, his brother Keith McNew, and his sisters Wanda Jackson, Betty Gilley, Ruth Croan, and Nancy Bodenberg. Mr. McNew was a 1941 graduate of Holton High School and was a 75 year member of the Hopewell Baptist Church. He was a farmer his entire life and was a rural mail carrier for the Holton Post Office for 33 years. Bob founded and owned the former Farm Chemical Company in Holton and was a former Ripley County Conservation Farmer of the Year. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 11 at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. David Shivers officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Hopewell Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.
Cecil A. Bultman, Jr., 73, of Napoleon passed away Friday, October 7, 2011 at his home. He was born at Greensburg on August 3, 1938 the son of Cecil Sr. and Alice Young Bultman. He was married to Mary Cook on April 11, 1959 and she survives. Other survivors include four daughters Judy Bultman and companion Dan Mulford of Osgood, Karen (Bill) Huff and Linda (Dan) Walke both of Napoleon, and Sue Ann (Jerry) Kruger of Franklin; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; one brother Denzil Bultman of Madison; one sister Devota Dean of Osgood. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Charles Bultman, and his son Karl A. Bultman. Mr. Bultman was a 1957 graduate of Napoleon High School and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon. He served as a Lutheran Layman, was past president of the ELCA, and past president of Thrivent for Lutherans. He served on the board of directors for Rescue 69 for 36 years and was currently serving as president. He was a 58 year member of the Napoleon Fire Department, served for 16 years on the Jac-Cen-Del School Board, and was a current member of the board of directors for the Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame. Cecil was also a member of the Osgood Lions Club and earlier this year received the coveted Melvin Jones Fellowship. He spent his entire life in the Napoleon community where he farmed and was also a master driver for Baylor Trucking at Milan where he was their CDL Instructor. He received the states Master Driver Award in 2006 for logging a million accident free miles and had also received an honorary chapter degree from the Jac-Cen-Del FFA. Cecil loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 11th at 11am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon with Pastor Gary Groth and Rev. Jim Stuck officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 4pm 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 Napoleon Fire Department or Rescue 69 in care of the funeral home.
James Sewell Moore, 65, of Madison passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born at Hollandsville in Wolfe County, Kentucky on November 28, 1945 the son of Frank and Laura Watkins Moore. He was married to Nancy Waltz on December 7, 1979 and she survives. Other survivors include one son James S. (Jessica) Moore II of Holton; one daughter Penny (Adam) Fisher of Naples, Florida; two granddaughters Destiny and Desiree Moore; two brothers Bill Moore of Holton and George Moore of North Vernon; one sister Phyllis Hardy of Seymour. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Robert, Johnny, Elmer, and Raymond Moore and his sisters Sara Ann Sharp, Frances Holland, Bertha Moore, and Emma Cunningham. Mr. Moore was a former resident of Holton and had been employed with the Ripley County Highway Department, the Indiana State Highway Department, and Laughery Valley Co-op in Versailles. He was a former member of the Holton Fire Department. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 10th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with visitation on Sunday from 4pm to 7pm. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Garden in Madison. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Holton Fire Department in care of the funeral home.
Pastor Pearl Cornett, 64, of Versailles passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2011 near Manchester, Kentucky. He was born near Manchester in Clay County, Kentucky on December 24, 1946 the son of Hiram and Frances Nolan Cornett. He was married to Elaine Canada on April 17, 1965 and she survives. Other survivors include three daughters Melissa (David) McGuire of Sunman, Melody (Jeff) Wright of Osgood, and Tracy (Greg) Fisk of Versailles; two sons Vearl Cornett of Versailles and Leslie Martin of Seymour; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson; three brothers Price(Sarah) Cornett and Hiram Cornett, Jr. both of Manchester, Kentucky, and Arnold (Thelma) Cornett of Blanchester, Ohio; six sisters Mary Wilson Sammons, Flora (Jimmy) Morgan, and Amanda Ross all of Salem, Indiana, Evelyn Strunk and Lorna Allen both of Milan, and Janie (Wayne) Dawes of Norwood, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Lewis, Alfred, and James Cornett. Brother Pearl founded the Cavehill Church of God near Versailles in 1976 and served as their senior pastor for 34 years, seeing his congregation grow from10 people to over 200 and seeing them through two building projects. He also founded the Cavehill Christian Academy and through the church and school touched a multitude of lives. He loved spending time with his family and returning to his native Kentucky, especially in the fall of the year. He was also a member of World Missions and Evangelism. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 3rd at 10:30am at the Cavehill Church of God with Pastor Doug Norman officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday from 4pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the church or the Cavehill Christian Academy in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.
Viola Ruth Smiley, 80, of Indianapolis passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at St. Francis Hospital in Mooresville. She was born at New Marion on September 8, 1931 the daughter of Charles and Creola Swinney Ketzendorf. She was married to Eldred Smiley on February 15, 1953 and he preceded her in death on September 5, 1990. Survivors include two sons Charles (Robin) Smiley of Avon and James (Sherri) Smiley of Indianapolis; three daughters Janet Sue Smiley of Indianapolis, Mary Rose (Gary) Rushing of Mooresville, and Doris Kay (Tim) Ellington of Indianapolis; 8 grandchildren; one sister Mary Elizabeth Bray and one niece Creola Bray both of Indianapolis. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother Earnest Carl Ketzendorf. Mrs. Smiley was a 1949 graduate of Versailles High School. She attended the New Marion Baptist Church and also the Souls Harbor Assembly of God at Plainfield. Viola was a homemaker and had worked at Gray’s Cafeteria in Mooresville. Visitation will be held Friday from 4pm to 8pm at Jones Family Mortuary at Mooresville. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with visitation from 12pm. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Holton Cemetery or the donor’s choice.
Mary Jean Campbell, 64, of South Bend passed away Saturday, September 24, 2011 at her home. She was born at Batesville on July 20, 1947 the daughter of Robert and Dorothy Wood Pettit. She was married to Grover Edward Campbell on March 5, 1971 and he survives. Other survivors include one son Matthew Campbell of South Bend; one daughter Denise (Ron) Strzelecki of South Bend; one granddaughter Emily Strzelecki; her mother and step-father Dorothy and Robert Asche of Osgood; one brother Bruce “Skip” (Betty) Pettit of Columbus; one sister Helen McNeely of Versailles. She was preceded in death by her father. Mrs. Campbell was a member of the New Marion Baptist Church and a 1965 graduate of New Marion High School. She was a homemaker and was employed with Villages of Indiana where she was a house parent for abused and neglected children. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 27 at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Randy Thieman of the Shelby Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the New Marion Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the New Marion Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Paula Jean Jones, 51, of Osgood passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at her home. She was born in Cincinnati on February 29, 1960 the daughter of Donald and Jean Melzer Hicks. She was married to Marshall Jones on August 30, 1980 and he survives. Other survivors include her parents Donald and Jean Hicks of Cincinnati; two sons Thomas Jones of Osgood and Adam (Kristina) Jones of Holton; two daughters Jennifer (Trevor) Asche of Versailles and Kelli Jones and her companion Joel Carter of Osgood; 8 grandchildren; seven brothers Mark (Bev) Hicks, Robert (Liz) Hicks, Dean (Tina) Hicks, Jay (Rebecca) Hicks, Curt (Leanne) Hicks, Gary (Gina) Hicks, and Ron (Michele) Hicks all of Cincinnati; three sisters Jan (Steven) Hale, Joy (Joe) Neurohr, and Donna (Rick) Neville all of Cincinnati. Mrs. Jones was a 1978 graduate of Cincinnati Western Hills High School. She was employed with K B Specialty Foods in Greensburg where she worked in production. Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 25th at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Don Buck of the First Baptist Church in Osgood officiating. Burial will be in the Greendale Cemetery at Osgood. Visitation will be Saturday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Hospice of Decatur County in care of the funeral home.
Dwayne D. McNeelan, 65, of Holton passed away Sunday, September 11, 2011 at his home. He was born at Batesville on June 7, 1946 the son of Martin and Laura Richardson McNeelan. He was married to Janie LaFollette on June 17, 1966 and she preceded him in death on April 11, 1997. Survivors include one son Scott (Misty) McNeelan of Holton; three daughters Tammy Buell, Melissa Grigsby, and Melanie (Bill) Fields all of Holton; 9 grandchildren; one sister Alice (Ronald) Rayburn of Holton; two brothers Martin (Beverly) McNeelan, Jr. of Whiteland and Jim (Carolyn) McNeelan of Holton. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Derrick Buell. Mr. McNeelan was a 1965 graduate of Holton High School and had attended the Holton United Methodist Church. He worked in production at Seagrams for 35 years retiring in 1998. Dwayne was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 14th at 11am at the Holton United Methodist Church with Pastor Bob McCreary of the Holton Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery with military honors by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be 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 Holton United Methodist Church or the Holton Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Virginia Myrle Wood, 85, of Cross Plains passed away Saturday, August 27, 2011 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. She was born in Jefferson County near Canaan on June 11, 1926 the daughter of James and Alma Selig Hankins. She was married to Everett Wood on September 6, 1942 and he survives. Other survivors include one daughter Carol Berry of Versailles; two sons Ralph (Faith Ann) Wood and Robert (Dotty) Wood both of Versailles; 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; one brother Dale (Clara) Hankins of Versailles; two sisters Dorothy Holton of Dillsboro and Judy (Omer) Wilson of Holton. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, her granddaughter Linda Jane Berry, and her son-in-law William Berry. Mrs. Wood along with her husband owned and operated Wood Farm & Industrial Supply in Versailles for 36 years. Myrle was also a homemaker and assisted her husband with their farming operation. She was a member of the Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friendship for 61 years and served her church as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and church treasurer. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 31st at 11am at the Bear Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Sherman Hughes officiating. Burial will be in the Methodist Cemetery at Cross Plains. Visitation will be 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 Child Evangelism Fellowship or the Gideons in care of the funeral home.
Richard F. Wagner, 83, of
Napoleon passed away Friday, July 22, 2011 at his home. He was born near
Napoleon on October 20, 1927 the son of William and Catherine Brunner Wagner. He
was married to Dolores Gehl at St. Maurice Catholic Church on August 12, 1950
and she survives. Other survivors include one daughter Theresa (Paul) Rork of
Fairland; seven sons Steve (Ann) Wagner, Mike (Cathy) Wagner, Joe (Janet)
Wagner, and Mark (Jean) Wagner all of Napoleon, John (Linda) Wagner of Osgood,
Alan Wagner and his fiancé Silky Caldwell of Statesville, North Carolina, and
Brian (Stacey) Wagner of Greensburg; 26 grandchildren and 17
great-grandchildren; one brother William (Delores) Wagner of Napoleon. He was
preceded in death by his parents, sisters Iona Wagner, Wilma Peetz, and Burdella
Brancamp, and his brothers Maurice, Paul, Cletus, and Donald Wagner. Mr. Wagner was a
1946 graduate of Napoleon High School and was a member of St. Maurice Catholic
Church in Napoleon and was also a charter member of the Keene-Henneke VFW Post
at Napoleon. He was a farmer and a former employee of the Union Furniture
Company in Batesville, the Indiana State Highway Department, and Gulf Plastics
in Greensburg. Richard was an Army veteran where he served with the
21st Infantry from May of 1946 to May of 1947, 7 months of which was
served in Occupied Japan. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July
25th at 10am at St. Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon with Father
Rob Hankee officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military
graveside rites by the Keene-Henneke VFW Post and the Osgood American Legion.
Visitation will be Sunday from 3pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home
in Versailles with Rosary services at 7pm. Memorials may be given to the St.
Maurice Building Fund or the Hospice of the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in
care of the funeral home.
Meta Thieman, 95, of Cross Plains passed away Saturday, July 16th, 2011 at the Ripley Crossing Health Center in Milan. She was born in Cross Plains, Indiana on March 24th, 1916 the daughter of John and Alma Steingruber Schwanholt. She was married to Howard Thieman on November 21st, 1936 and he preceded her in death on May 21st, 1997. Other survivors include two daughters; Marilyn (James) Pennington of Canaan, Genevieve (Louis) DeBurger of Cross Plains, grandchildren; Debbie (Ron) Raper, Karen DeBurger, Chris (Melissa) Lochard, Laura Freeman, Becky (Benny) Mohr, and Andrew Lochard, great grandchildren; Brandi and Vanessa Hite, Joseph and Lakota Mohr, one brother Victor Schwanholt and one sister in law, Mary Ellen Thieman. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers; Edward and Walter. Mrs. Thieman was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Olean and had taught Sunday school for 26 years, member of the Martha’s Circle, Olean Willing Workers Homemakers Club and a Bible School Teacher. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 19th, 2011 at 11am at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Randy Thieman officiating. Burial will be in the St. Peter’s Cemetery in Olean. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Friendship Fire Department or the Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Lillian Reda Peaslee, 89, of Versailles passed away Monday, July 11th, 2011 at the Ripley Crossing Health Center in Milan. She was born in Sparta, Indiana on September 21st, 1921 the daughter of Floyd E. and Anna Pearl Taylor. She was married to George W. on March 27th, 1940 and he preceded her in death on March 27th, 1995. Other survivors include one son William Leonard “Bud” of Versailles; one daughter Georgia (George) smith of Versailles; 2 grandchildren Brian (Tasha) Smith, Stacie (Jeffery) Cherry, both of Versailles; 1 great-grandson; Trenton Smith and one sister; Sarah Truitt of Osgood. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers Warren and Melvin Taylor. Mrs. Peaslee was a member of the Pierceville United Methodist Church and had worked for the Ben Franklin in Milan for several years. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 15th, 2011 at 10am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with Rev. Harris Long and Rev. Jack Bible officiating. Burial will be in the Washington Cemetery in Elrod. Visitation will be Thursday from 5pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Pierceville United Methodist Church, Sparta Cemetery or the Cancer society in care of the funeral home.
William “Bill” Berry of Versailles passed away Sunday, July 10, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born in Cumberland, Kentucky on April 2, 1941 the son of Otis and Gladys Sumpter Berry. He was married to Carol Wood in Honolulu, Hawaii on June 7, 1968. Survivors include his wife Carol, two daughters, Robin Ann (Bud) Prather of Holton, Indiana, and Saradee (Joe) Cole of Versailles, Indiana. Other survivors include five grandchildren; Tyler and Justin Cole, Lance, Jessie, and Samuel Prather, two brothers, Ronald “Ron” Berry of Madison and Dale Berry of Holton, one sister Sue Combs of Florida. He was also preceded in death by his one daughter; Linda Jane, two brothers; David and Danny Berry, and his parents. Mr. Berry was self-employed owner/operator truck driver, and had worked at Wood Farm Supply in Versailles. Mr. Berry served his country in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division out of Ft. Bragg, N.C. for 12 years, including two tours in Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of Cedars Lebanon Church in Dillsboro, Indiana. He was a member of the Versailles American Legion, Leora Weare Post #173. Funeral services will be held Thursday July 14 at 10 am at Cedars of Lebanon in Dillsboro with Pastor Charlie Hill officiating. Burial will be in Cross Plains Methodist cemetery with full military rites. Visitation will be Wednesday 4 to 7 at the funeral home and from 9am until time of services at the church. Memorials may be given to the Good News Club in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.
Evelyn Comer, 89, of the Hopewell community near Holton passed away Saturday, July 9th, 2011 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. She was born in the Proving Ground near Holton on July 23rd, 1921 the daughter of Fred and Zora Richardson Dudley. She was married to Henry Comer on May 18, 1947 and he preceded her in death on May 16th, 2011. Other survivors include one son Donald (Gloria) Comer of Holton; one daughter Sharon (Bob) Allen of Charlestown; grandchildren Kevin (Sherri) Comer, Michele (Danny) Speer, and Andy (Sara) Comer all of the Hopewell community, Chris Allen of Wayne City, Illinois and Daniel (Kelsey) Allen of Charlestown; 8 great-grandchildren, 4 step-great-grandchildren, and 5 step-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Thomas A. Comer, and her daughter Connie Jane Comer. Mrs. Comer was a 1939 graduate of Holton High School. Mrs. Comer was a bookkeeper for REMC and her family farm, Evelyn was also a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church, she was a Sunday School Teacher, Hopewell Clover Bees 4H Leader, and very active in the Indiana Pork Providers. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 13th, 2011 at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. David Shivers officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Visitation will be 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 Hopewell Baptist Church building.
David O. Spencer, 85, of Hicks Ridge passed way Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born near Canaan on November 11, 1925 the son of Harry and Doris Brinson Spencer. He was married to Ruby Huttsell on May 10, 1947 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Jerry Spencer of Hicks Ridge; four daughters Karen (Phillip) LeGrand of Mary Esther, Florida, P. Michelle Spencer-Spradling of Brooklyn, New York, Jane Spencer-Pierce of Salem, and Ann Spencer-King of Versailles; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Evelyn Green, and his brother Alton Spencer who was killed in France during WWII. Mr. Spencer was a 1943 graduate of Central High School in Madison. He was an Army veteran of WWII where he served with the 19th Combat Infantry and participated in the liberation of the Philippines. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal with one bronze star, Philippine Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Meritorious Unit Award. David was a lifelong farmer and in 1966 he received the Greener Pastures Award through the ASCS. He was a member of the former Hicks Ridge Baptist Church and attended the Shelby Christian Church and was also a member of the Brown Township American Legion and the Versailles Masonic Lodge. David served on the board of directors for the Friendship State Bank for 31 years. Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 10th at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with Randy Thieman officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery with military rites by the Brown Township American Legion. Visitation will be Saturday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Shelby Christian Church or the Benham Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Jay
C Hensley, 90, of Versailles passed away Friday, July 1, 2011 at his home. He
was born at Kings Mountain in Pendleton County, Kentucky on May 17, 1921 the son
of John C. and Della Wall Hensley. He was married to Freeda Cain on September 3,
1940 and his wife of 70 years survives. Other survivors include two sons Carl
(Harriet) Hensley of Greensburg and Larry (Vicky) Hensley of Versailles; one
daughter Kay (Jim) Steele of Ossian; 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren,
and 3 great-great-grandchildren; four brothers Mitchell (Laurie) Hensley of
Greenwood, William (Susan) Hensley of Greenfield, John (Janet) Hensley of Rising
Sun, and Donald (Louise) Hensley of Fishers; three sisters Glenda (Steve)
Ashcraft of Aurora, Wanda Bennett of Fishers, and Gloria Murray of Greenwood. He
was preceded in death by his parents and his son Gayle. Mr. Hensley was a WWII
veteran. He was a 40 year employee of Seagrams and had also been a shoe cobbler
for 35 years. Jay was a member of the Shelby Christian Church. Funeral services
will be held Tuesday, July 5th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter
Funeral Home in Versailles with Randy Thieman and David Jolly officiating.
Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at Versailles with military graveside
rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Monday from 5pm to
8pm. Memorials may be given to the Shelby Christian Church in care of the
funeral home.
Jesse H. Westmeyer, Jr., 65, of Versailles passed away Thursday, June 30, 2011 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born at Batesville on November 7, 1945 the son of Jesse Sr. and Leona J. Curry Westmeyer. He was married to Jane Ellen Freudenstein on August 2, 1969 and she survives. Other survivors include his mother Leona “Jo” Westmeyer of Versailles; one son Edward (Shannon) Westmeyer of Troy, Ohio; two daughters Natalie (Jerry) Gilpin and Susan Westmeyer both of Versailles; 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; one brother David (Tulin) Westmeyer of Louisville; sister-in-law Ann Westmeyer of Lexington, Kentucky; brother-in-law Roger (Cathy) Freudenstein of Spring Hill, Florida. He was preceded in death by his father and his brother Stephen Westmeyer. Mr. Westmeyer was a 1963 graduate of Versailles High School and received a degree in business from Miller-Draugn Business College in Cincinnati. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served as a Corporal with the United States Marine Corp. Jesse became a member of the Indiana State Police in November of 1967 and served for 33 years retiring in 2000 from the Versailles Post. He was employed with Hardy Insurance in Versailles and later with Mainsource Insurance. Mr. Westmeyer was a 54 year member of the Tyson United Methodist Church in Versailles where he served in several capacities and was currently a member of the church Board of Trustees. He was also a member and past commander of the Versailles American Legion Post, member and past master of the Versailles Masonic Lodge, member of the Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite, and a member of the State Police Alliance. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 6th at 11am at the Tyson United Methodist Church in Versailles with Rev. John Scudder and Rev. James Byerly officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at Versailles with military honors by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with the Versailles Masonic Lodge conducting services at 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Westmeyer Scholarship Fund, Cliff Hill Cemetery, Versailles American Legion, or the Tyson United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.
Elizabeth J. Richmond, 84, of Anderson passed away Friday, June 24, 2011 at the Rawlins House and Health Community in Pendleton. She was born at Redkey on April 12, 1927 the daughter of Floyd “John” and Nila Rathbun Fowler. She was married to Charles Richmond on September 21, 1947 and he preceded her in death on July 18, 1991. Survivors include one son Ronald (Janet) Richmond of Anderson; one daughter Rebecca Cummins of Indianapolis; grandchildren Jason (Cari) Richmond of Noblesville, Matt (Libby) Richmond of Markleville, Megan Richmond and her companion Dan Hart of Fishers, and Monica Cummins of Indianapolis; 5 great-grandchildren; one brother Bob Fowler of Punta Gorda, Florida; her aunt Helen Wagner of Pendleton. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers Bill Fowler and Fred Fowler. Mrs. Richmond was a 1945 graduate of Indianapolis Howe High School. After high school she was contracted to draw directional maps for the US military. Elizabeth had also worked as a secretary for Leo Lippmann and Associates in Indianapolis and from 1960 to 1970 owned and operated Meadows Business Service, a secretarial service in Indianapolis. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 29th at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. James Byerly officiating. Burial will be in the Tanglewood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Tanglewood Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Bettie Jane Bishop, 65, of Canaan passed away Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the Water’s of Ross Manor in Dillsboro. She was born in Clay County, Kentucky on August 1, 1945 the daughter of Pearl and Lillie Mae Colwell Ledford. She was married to Samuel Bishop on December 15, 1962 and he preceded her in death on February 20, 1998. Survivors include three daughters; Norma Jean (David Michael) Greive of Aurora, Julie Ann (Jeffery) Dausch of Greendale, and Malinda (John) Stegemoller of Canaan, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, five brothers; Eunice Ledford of Canaan, Arvil (Jerry) Ledford of Dayton, Ohio, Charles (Pauline) Ledford of Dayton, Ohio, Seldon (Delores) Ledford of Chicago, Illinois,and Hubert (Debbie) Ledford of Eaton, Ohio, one sister; Donnetta (David) Pool of Greensburg. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister. Mrs. Bishop was a CPA for her husband business, Bishop Footers and Foundations, worked as a bookkeeper for Woods Farm Equipment and attended the Bear Creek Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 2 7th at 11am at Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friendship with Rev. Sherman Hughes officiating. Burial will be in the Aker’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home and from 10am until time of services Monday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Cancer Society or Aker’s Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Ralph M. Vanosdol, 78, of Versailles passed away Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. He was born near Cross Plains on February 24, 1933 the son of Paul and Florence Hayes Vanosdol. He was married to Violet Clarkson on November 9, 1957 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Ronald (Jane) Vanosdol of Terre Haute and Keith Vanosdol of Versailles; one grandson Noah Alexander Vanosdol. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Vanosdol had worked for 28 years as a digger operator for the Southeastern Indiana REMC in Osgood. He had also been employed with Uhlman’s Feed Mill in Cross Plains and Cord’s Stone Quarry at Versailles. Ralph was a member of the Shelby Christian Church. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 23rd at 11am at the Shelby Christian Church with Bro. Earl Thomas officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Thursday at the church. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Shelby Christian Church in care of the funeral home.
Ruth M. Narwold, 83, of Napoleon passed away Friday, June 17, 2011 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born near Versailles on January 25, 1928 the daughter of Conrad and Emma Schenbeck Luers. She was married to Edgar Narwold on November 28, 1953 and he preceded her in death on December 3, 2003. Survivors include one son David (Pam) Narwold of Napoleon; grandsons Steve (Stephanie) Narwold of Osgood and Curt (Megan) Narwold of Ankeny, Iowa; great-grandchildren Lanie and Zach Narwold; three brothers Wilbur Luers of Versailles, Ray Luers of Chickasha, Oklahoma, and Gilbert Luers of Henderson, Nevada; her cousin Norma Roberts of Batesville. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Betty Toops, her parents, and her brothers Robert and Clifford Luers. Mrs. Narwold was a 1946 graduate of Napoleon High School and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Ruth was a homemaker and a charter member of the Napoleon Fire Department Auxiliary and also was a Jackson Township delegate for the Ripley County Farm Bureau. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 20th at 10am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon with Pastor Gary Groth officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home and from 9am until time of services Monday at the church. Memorials may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Jac-Cen-Del Athletic Department, or the Hospice of South Central Indiana in care of the funeral home.
Russell E. Myers, 88, of Evansville passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at his residence. He was born near New Marion on July 29, 1922 the son of Rufus and Lillie Brown Myers. He was married to Eva Lou Knight on July 14, 1986 and she preceded him in death on April 16, 1997. Survivors include five sons Danny (Brenda) Myers of New Marion, Norman (Barbara) Myers of Rexville, Russell Jr. (Linda) Myers of Dillsboro, Mert (Janet) Myers and Kenneth (Barbara) Myers both of Versailles; one daughter Mary (Thomas) Allen of Edwardsburg, Michigan; three step-sons Theron (Ingrid) Knight of Galveston, Indiana, Gary (Anne) and Jerry (Jean) Knight both of Georgia; 11 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 13 step-grandchildren, and 17 step-great-grandchildren; two sisters Nettie Grigsby of Versailles and Rosie (David) Burress of New Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers David and Charles Myers, and his sisters Mabel Sexton, Leah Swinney, Betty Kieffer, and Mary Jo Lauber, and his step-children Barbara Schucofsky and James Knight. Mr. Myers was a 1940 graduate of New Marion High School and was a retired truck driver. He was an Army veteran of WWII where he served at the rank of Staff Sergeant with the 786th Tank Batalion as a truck driver in the Rhineland and in central Europe. Mr. Myers received the EAME Theatre Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 18 at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will be in the New Marion Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Saturday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the New Marion Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Tom Pinkerton, 56, of Holton passed away Thursday, June 9, 2011 at the St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon. He was born at Hamilton, Ohio on January 26, 1955 the son of Wade and Colleen Lloyd Pinkerton. Survivors include one son Jason (Nicole) Pinkerton of Shelbyville; one daughter Kristy (Jerry) Wilson of Worthington; 5 grandchildren; three brothers Lloyd Pinkerton of Houston, Texas, Wayne Pinkerton of Kissimmee, Florida, and Harry (Christine) Pinkerton of Rexville; four sisters Nancy (Ronnie) Downey and Pam (Steve) McQueen both of Holton, Debra (Bernard) Geisler of Rexville, and Tina (Jim) Doolin of Franklin, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Pinkerton was a former employee of Mullins Salvage Yard in Bicknell. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 13th at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Garden near Madison. Visitation will be Monday from 11am until time of services. Memorials may be given to Rescue 69 in care of the funeral home.
Myrtle C. Murphy, 80, of Osgood passed away Friday, June 3, 2011 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. She was born at Middlesboro in Bell County, Kentucky on March 26, 1931 the daughter of George and Monie Bush Gilbert. She was married to Robert Murphy on January 2, 1952 and he preceded her in death on February 5, 1976. Survivors include one brother William (Bertha) Gilbert of Erlanger, Kentucky; two sisters Dorothy (Auburn) England of Middlesboro, Kentucky and Genevieve Mobley of Cincinnati. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters Allie Davis, Jean Huddleston, and Mildred Beall. Mrs. Murphy was a former employee of US Shoe in Osgood and the Dolly Madison Bakery in Cincinnati. Her and her husband had also managed the Dunbar and Bultman Restaurant in Osgood. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 6th at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Don Buck of the First Baptist Church in Osgood officiating. Burial will be in the Laurel Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 12pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donors choice.
Betty Skelton, 82, of Versailles passed away Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born at Napoleon on August 7, 1928 the daughter of Oral and Hilda Schneley Miller. She was married to Robert Hoeferkamp on July 30, 1947 and he preceded her in death on January 26, 1983. She was married to Thomas Skelton on August 27, 1984 and he preceded her in death on October 31, 2008. Survivors include one son David (Lisa) Hoeferkamp of Mishawaka; 4 grandchildren; daughter-in-law Debbie Hoeferkamp of New Marion; sister-in-law Ann Miller of Osgood. She was also preceded in death by her son Dennis Hoeferkamp and her brothers Jack Miller and Charles R. Miller. Mrs. Skelton was a 1946 graduate of Versailles High School. She had worked for 25 years at Muscatatuck as an attendant and secretary. Betty was a member of the Versailles Church of Christ. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 6 at 11am at the Versailles Church of Christ with Dale Day officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday at the church from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Versailles Church of Christ in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.
James V. Oney, 59, of Versailles passed away Friday, May 20, 2011 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born at McRoberts in Magoffin County, Kentucky on April 23, 1952 the son of John and Fonsby McCarty Oney. He was married to Sandra Westerman on March 18, 1972 and she survives. Other survivors include one son James David (Glenda) Oney of Versailles; one daughter Jamie (David) Magargel of Greensburg; 5 grandchildren; two sisters Dean (Milidean) McCarty of Salyersville, Kentucky and Letitia (Bob) Lee of Madison; four brothers Ronald Dale Oney of Osgood, Emmett (Pat) Oney of Versailles, David (Pam) Oney of Bloomington, and Raymond (Cathy) Oney of Fairfield, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother J. B. Oney, and his sisters Rebecca Johnson, Eunice Oney, Inez Herd, Joy Oney, and Bernice Dueroski. Mr. Oney was a truck driver for Elrod Grain and also Demaree Trucking. He was a member of the Cedar Creek Community Church. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 25th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Garland Rudd officiating. Burial will be in the New Marion Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the New Marion Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Lisa L. McConnell, 43, of Holton passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon. She was born at Batesville on December 21, 1967 the daughter of Harley and Mildred Hamilton Roark. She was married to Tom McConnell on October 11, 1989 and he survives. Other survivors include one son Matthew (Paula) McConnell of Seymour; one daughter Ashley McConnell at home; step-son Thomas J. McConnell of Holton; granddaughters Savanna and Olivia McConnell; her parents Harley and Mildred Roark of Holton; father-in-law Lester McConnell of Holton; mother-in-law Norma Jean McConnell of Napoleon; sisters Glynna (Rick) Halcomb of Linefort, Kentucky and Susie (Todd) Starkey of Milan. She was preceded in death by her sister Janet Roark and her grandparents Lou and Arna Roark and Addie and A. W. Hamilton. Mrs. McConnell had worked in embroidering at the Batesville Casket Company. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 23rd at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Tom Holt officiating. Burial will be in the Little Memory Cemetery near Sunman. Visitation will Sunday from 4pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the donors choice.
Jeanne Benjamin, 58, of Versailles passed away Thursday, May 12, 2011 at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. She was born at Fayetteville, North Carolina on July 29, 1952 the daughter of Oliver and Martha VanderVelde Judd. She was married to Timothy Benjamin on December 31, 1986 and he survives. Other survivors include her father Oliver Judd of Muskegon, Michigan; daughters Dannielle O’Brien of Gilbert, Arizona and Rhyannon (Larry) Sanders of Waddell, Arizona; step-sons Terry Benjamin and companion Tracy Little of Okeana, Ohio, Scott Benjamin and companion Kim Ackley of Cleves, Ohio, Randy (Kim) Benjamin of Versailles, and Mike (Valerie) Benjamin of Batesville, 11 grandchildren; two brothers Randy Judd of Boulder, Colorado and John (Elizabeth) Judd of Muskegon, Michigan; one sister Susan Fern of Muskegon, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her mother Martha Judd and her brother Jeffery Judd. Mrs. Benjamin was a 1970 graduate of Muskegon High School and had worked in assembly for Hill-Rom at Batesville. She was a member of the Versailles Church of Christ. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 21st at 1pm at the Versailles Church of Christ with Dale Day officiating. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 12pm. Memorials may be given to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation or the Versailles Church of Christ in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.
Henry Comer, Jr., 89, of the Hopewell community near Holton passed away Monday, May 16, 2011 at the Clark Memorial Hospital in Jeffersonville. He was born in the Otter Creek community near Osgood on August 27, 1921 the son of Henry and Rose Grossman Comer. He was married to Evelyn Dudley on May 18, 1947 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Donald (Gloria) Comer of Holton; one daughter Sharon (Bob) Allen of Charlestown; grandchildren Kevin (Sherri) Comer, Michele (Danny) Speer, and Andy (Sara) Comer all of the Hopewell community, Chris Allen of Wayne City, Illinois and Daniel (Kelsey) Allen of Charlestown; 7 great-grandchildren, 4 step-great-grandchildren, and 5 step-great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Thomas A. Comer, and his daughter Connie Jane Comer. Mr. Comer was a 1939 graduate of Osgood High School where he played for the Cowboys 1939 sectional championship team. Henry was an Army veteran of WWII where he served in the Ardennes, the Rhineland, and Central Europe taking part in the Battle of the Bulge. He received the EAME Theatre Ribbon with three bronze stars, the American Theatre Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. Mr. Comer was a farmer and had commercially raised Duroc hogs for many years and had sold his hogs in 17 states and 3 foreign countries. He was past president of the Indiana Duroc Association and helped form the Ripley-Dearborn Pork Producers Association. Henry was also a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 19 at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. David Shivers officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Thursday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Hopewell Baptist Church building fund in care of the funeral home.
Mildred Gault, 91, of Milan passed away Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. She was born near Dillsboro on August 21, 1919 the daughter of William and Mabel Lotshaw Meyer. She was married to Harold Gault and he preceded her in death on August 15, 1976. Survivors include two sons Gary (Karen) Gault of Cleves, Ohio and David (Vanessa) Gault of Moores Hill; 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Ernest and Leonard Meyer. Mrs. Gault was a 1936 graduate of Versailles High School and was a homemaker. Mildred was a member of the Washington Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 13th at 10am at the Washington Baptist Church with Rev. Bruce Fitzsimmons officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9am until time of services Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Washington Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.
Larry G. Nolte, 64, of Holton passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at St. Francis Hospital in Beech Grove. He was born in Indianapolis on August 7, 1946 the son of Joseph and Jean Drew Nolte. He was married to Anita Hoban on October 28, 1994 and she survives. Other survivors include his father Joseph Nolte of Lawrenceburg; one son Dennis Wells of Greensburg; three daughters Natalie Nolte of Newport, Kentucky, Audrey (Adam) Harris of McLean, Virginia, and Jennifer (Chad) Ford of Georgetown, Texas; grandchildren Lane Wells, Aubrey and Remington Ford, A.J. and Anderson Harris, and Temperance Peters; three sisters Shirley Blair and Dee (Marvin) Wallace both of Greensburg and Sandy (Karl) Siebe of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his mother. Larry was a 1964 graduate of Colerain High School in Cincinnati and received his BS degree in US History and an Associate Degree in transportation management from the University of Cincinnati. He was a former fleet manager for Pepsi of Cincinnati and had worked as a jailer for the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department. Larry was a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War where he served two tours with the Force Recon First Marine Division, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Mast, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 9th at 10:30am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. David Shivers officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion of which he was a member. Visitation will be Sunday from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9:30am Monday until time of services at the church. Memorials may be given to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the Hopewell Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.
Wess Lovins, 31, of Milan passed away Monday, May 2, 2011 as the result of an automobile accident near Elrod. He was born at Lawrenceburg on March 27, 1980 the son of Jim and Malena Knowlton Lovins. Survivors include his parents of Milan, his daughters Alexis and Savanah at home; brother Justin (Samantha) Lovins of Appomattox, Virginia; maternal grandmother Mrs. Thelma Knowlton of Milan; nephew Tristan, and nieces Gracie and Audrey Lovins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Henry and Sally Lovins and his maternal grandfather Walter Knowlton. Wess was a former employee of R. D. Wood Construction and also worked at Valeo in Greensburg. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 5th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with Rev. David Shivers of the Hopewell Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the New Marion Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Lura Lykins, 90, of Osgood passed away Friday, April 29, 2011 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born at Salyersville in Magoffin County, Kentucky on April 28, 1921 the daughter of James and Carrie Ann Taulbee Wages. She was married to Willard Lykins on November 29, 1941 and he preceded her in death on May 22, 1996. Survivors include one son Willard A. (Janet) Lykins of Osgood; four grandsons; 2 great-grandchildren; one sister Marie Gregory of Osgood. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Floyd Wages, and her sisters Dee Keeton, Lilly Wages, and Telia Brown. Mrs. Lykins was a 1939 graduate of Hazel Green High School in Hazel Green, Kentucky and was a member of the Cedar Creek Community Church. She was a homemaker and had done evangelistic work with her husband for several years. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 2nd at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Garland Rudd officiating. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Garden near Madison. Visitation will be Sunday from 2pm to 4pm. Memorials may be given to the Kidney Foundation or the Cedar Creek Church in care of the funeral home.
Richard Douglas Brinson, 51, of Versailles passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. He was born at Batesville on March 22, 1960 the son of Richard and Jo Ann Steele Brinson. Survivors include one son Eric (Ashley) Kegley of Versailles; grandson Ely Kegley; one brother Marty (Dawn) Brinson of Versailles; two sisters Diana Sturgill of Norton, Virginia and Kathy (Roy) Dobbs of New Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marilyn Phelps. Mr. Brinson was a former employee of Wayne’s Meats in Milan and had worked at the Ogle Haus in Vevay. He attended the Wesleyan Church in Versailles. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 30th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Dr. John Hundley officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Benham Cemetery or the Versailles Wesleyan Church in care of the funeral home.
Jeffery E. Benham, 48, of Versailles passed away Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the University Hospital in Cincinnati. He was born at Huntington, Indiana on December 16, 1962 the son of James E. and Charleen Callaway Benham. He was married to Jan Lagle on December 16, 1988 and she survives. Other survivors include his parents James Benham of Greensburg and Charleen Benham of Indianapolis; two sons Joseph (Alicia) Benham and Joshua (Brittany) Benham both of Versailles; two daughters Tasha Benham and friend John Moe of Versailles and Katie (Josh) Jessee of Osgood; 8 grandchildren; two sisters Candace Woodward of Greensburg and Cassandra (Marc) Lightner of Indianapolis. Mr. Benham was a self-employed logger and was a member of the Eagles Lodge at Greensburg and the Sons of the American Legion in Greensburg. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11am at the Cedar Creek Community Church near Osgood with Rev. Garland Rudd officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery. Visitation will be 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 Benham Cemetery or the Cedar Creek Church in care of the funeral home.
Eva Everage, 81, of Covington, Kentucky, formerly of Versailles passed away Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood, Kentucky. She was born in Versailles on April 8, 1930 the daughter of Ralph and Ruth Neill Wilson. She was married to John P. Everage on January 22, 1954 and he preceded her in death on October 27, 2005. Survivors include three sons John C. (Krista) Everage of Santa Monica, California, Brad (Susan) Everage of Simpsonville, Kentucky, and Chad (Kelly) Everage of Cornelius, North Carolina; three daughters Wendy Neill of Cincinnati, Michelle (Gene) Crawford of Louisville, and Tracey (Mike) Schutte of Cornelius, North Carolina; 12 grandchildren; her twin sister Reva McGowan of Monrovia and her sister Marjorie Pohle of Yalaha, Florida. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Gene, Wendell, and William Wilson. Mrs. Everage was a 1948 graduate of Versailles High School and was a member of the Tyson United Methodist Church in Versailles. Her and her husband were former owners of the Court House Inn in Versailles. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 14 at 2pm at the Tyson United Methodist Church with Rev. James Byerly officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at Versailles. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 1pm until time of services Thursday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery or the Tyson United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.
Robert Cannon, 86, of Versailles passed away Thursday, April 7, 2011 at the Palms of Sebring Assisted Living Center in Sebring, Florida. He was born near North Vernon on October 11, 1924 the son of Oliver and Clara Cunningham Cannon. He was married to Mary Alice Updike on July 14, 1943 and she preceded him in death on December 21, 2004. Survivors include one daughter Jeanie (Charles) Benham of Memphis; grandchildren Dusty Benham of Memphis and Michelle Cannon of Indianapolis. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael, sisters Lillian Stearns and Betty Johnston, and his brother Loring “Bud” Cannon. Mr. Cannon was a 1942 graduate of North Vernon High School. He served three years with the Coast Guard during WWII as a radio operator aboard an LST that was first to land troops and supplies on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war Bob attended the Valparaiso Technical Institute and was employed with the Indiana State Police Communications Division for 38 years in Indianapolis, Seymour, and Versailles retiring in 1986. He helped organize the first PTA at Versailles and was district director for the Indiana Congress of Parents and Teachers. Bob also taught electronics at the Southeastern Career Center and assisted with construction and testing of WRBI radio in Batesville and served as their chief operator. He was licensed by the FCC as a First Class Radiotelephone operator, a Second Class radiotelegraph operator, and a Amateur Radio Operator (Ham) and was a member of the Ripley County Repeaters Association. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 14th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. John Scudder officiating. Burial will be in the Vernon Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.
Barbara Corning, 89, of Versailles passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at Hickory Creek in Madison. She was born at Bloomington on September 19, 1921 the daughter of Oscar and Mary Brinton Travis. She was married to William Corning on August 11, 1945 and he preceded her in death on August 1, 2005. Mrs. Corning was a 1939 graduate of Bloomington High School and graduated from Indiana University in 1943 with a major in home economics. She had worked as a supervisor for Pogues in Cincinnati. Barbara was a member of the President’s Council of Purdue University and was a former board member of Historic Hoosier Hills, Oxbow Inc., and the Ripley County Soil and Water Conservation District. Funeral services will be private with burial in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Roland S. Corning Memorial Fund of the Purdue University School of Civil Engineering in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.
Rita Vanosdol, 47, of Madison passed away Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Waters of Clifty Falls at Madison. She was born at Milan on March 16, 1964 the daughter of Albert and Rosemary Poling Vanosdol. Survivors include one sister Rhonda (Randy) Thieman of Cross Plains; one brother Rick Vanosdol of Versailles; nephews Brian (Lisa) Thieman of Versailles and Adam (Lauren) Thieman of El Paso, Texas; nieces Angie (Ben) Fagan of Laurel, Beth Thieman of Cross Plains, and Ashley Vanosdol of Versailles. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jeff Vanosdol. Rita was a 1982 graduate of Madison High School and was a member of the Cross Plains Baptist Church. She was a former employee of US Shoe in Madison and also Grote Industries. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 8th at 11am at the Shelby Christian Church at Versailles with Minister Randy Thieman officiating. Burial in the Cross Plains Baptist Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Cross Plains Baptist Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.
Kacy Nonaka Indiana Brown, 7, and her sister Grace Nana Brown, 6 of Versailles passed away Thursday, March 24, 2011 as the result of a car accident near their home at Correct. Kacy was born on September 30, 2003 and Grace was born on December 25, 2004 both in Yokohama, Japan the daughters of Kristopher and Ai Odashima Brown. Survivors besides their parents include paternal grandmother Kathy Brown of Versailles, paternal grandfather Kendall Brown of Tennessee; paternal great-grandparents Omer and Nora Brown Reickers of Brownstown; maternal grandparents Minoru and Mieko Odashima of Yokohama, Japan; Uncles and Aunts Joe and Lindsey Brown and Lisa Hutson all of Versailles and Hitomi Odashima of Yokohama, Japan. Kacy was a first grader and Grace was in Kindergarten both at South Ripley Elementary. The girls attended the Osgood United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Sunday, April 3rd from 2pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with Rev. Ginny Hizer of the Osgood United Methodist Church officiating. Memorials may be given to a fund established at United Community Bank to help offset the family’s medical expenses. Donations for this may also be made at the funeral home.
Greeley
Gay, age 92, passed away on March 14, 2011 at Margaret Mary Community Hospital
in Batesville, Indiana. He was born in Leslie County, Kentucky on August
7, 1918 to Allen Lewis Gay and Mary Belle Gay. He grew up on the Middle
Fork of the Kentucky River, attending various one-room schools throughout
the area. He attended Witherspoon College at Buckhorn, Kentucky for the
first two years of high school, then traveled to Des Moines, Iowa to complete
his high school education.
After graduating from Des Moines East High
School in 1936, he worked as a stringer and then a reporter for the Des Moines
Dispatch, covering the local courts, politics and the statehouse. It was
this exposure to the 1930’s New Deal politics of Roosevelt that turned him into
the life-long Democrat that he was. With a European war forecast, he enlisted
in the Army in March, 1941, and served in the US Cavalry medical
corps, lancing boils in west Texas. After Pearl Harbor, with more serious
intention, he was enrolled in the Army Air Corps, training as a pilot. He
received his pilot’s certification and his wings on June 26, 1943, and headed to
Europe in the late fall of 1943. Piloting a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber out
of an 8th Air Force base in the midlands of England, he flew
twelve missions over France and Germany. He then transferred to the 15th
Air Force in Foggia, Italy. He flew the remainder of his 51 bombing
missions over Italy, France, Germany and Eastern Europe. He received the
Air Medal and three Oak Leaf Clusters. He returned to the US in late summer of
1944, and continued instructor’s training and flying training missions over the
US. He was discharged from the Army as a First Lieutenant in the summer of
1945. Upon returning to his family home in Eastern
Kentucky, he met and married Gladys Irene Moberg, from Canton, South
Dakota. He used his GI Bill benefits to attend the University of
Cincinnati, and University of Kentucky, where he received his law degree
in August, 1949. Having passed both the Kentucky and Indiana Bar Exams, he
and his young family moved to Versailles where in November, 1949 he opened his
law practice. He practiced law for 40 years in Versailles, serving as an
advocate for those without representation and as a champion of the
underdog. He was preceded in death by his
beloved wife of 58 years, Gladys, his parents Allen and Mary Belle Gay, his
brothers, Craig and Denver, his sisters, Pearl, Billie and Adelaide. He is
survived by his children; son Bill Gay and wife, Ann, of Versailles; daughter
Mary Ann Gay of Versailles; son Jack Gay and wife SuEtta of North Vernon; and
daughter Susan Gay of Cincinnati Ohio. Also surviving are his hopes for
the future, his beloved grandchildren, Jennifer Eaton Gay, Julia Caitlan Gay and
William Gay. Visitation
will be held Monday, March 21st from 6pm to 8pm at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with funeral services will be held
at the convenience of the family. The Versailles American Legion will conduct
military honors. Memorials may be given to the Ripley County Voiture 40 & 8
nurses scholarships in care of the funeral home.
Bill Dobson, 76, of Versailles passed away Saturday, March 12, 2011 at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born at Milan on January 29, 1935 the son of Omar and Nellie Mosier Dobson. He is survived by his nephew James Drummins of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Gene and Russell Dobson, and his sisters Audrey Drummins and Mary Hull. Mr. Dobson was an Army veteran and a former employee of Hillenbrand Industries in Batesville. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 16 at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with burial in the Tanglewood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Tanglewood Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Neva Wright, 95, of Rexville passed away Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Waters of Clifty Falls at Madison. She was born in the Marble Corner community near Rexville on May 29, 1915 the daughter of Fred and Effie Thomas Flint. She was married to Walter Wright on September 10, 1937 and he preceded her in death on July 7, 2010. Survivors include three daughters Phyllis (Earl) May and Brenda (Danny) Myers both of Rexville and Sharon (Forest) Sandefur of Greensburg; 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her son Wayne. Mrs. Wright was a 1933 graduate of New Marion High School. She was a member of the New Marion Baptist Church and participated in the ABWM. Neva had worked as a cook at the New Marion School for 11 years and was also a homemaker. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 15th at 11am at the New Marion Baptist Church with Rev. Harold Carter officiating. Burial will be in the West Fork Cemetery near Rexville. Visitation will be 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 New Marion Baptist Church or the West Fork Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Daniel H. Fischer, 49, of Versailles passed away Thursday, March 10, 2011 at the Clark Memorial Hospital in Jeffersonville. He was born at Lawrenceburg on October 27, 1961 the son of Ralph and Loa McCauley Fischer. He was married to Carol Rosebrock on April 16, 2005 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Gary (Emily) Fischer of Patriot; two daughters Amber Fischer of Aurora and Anna Rose Browning of Versailles; step-children Stephen Huntington II of Osgood and Breanna Huntington of Versailles; 3 step-grandchildren; his father and mother-in-law Jim and Clarris Rosebrock of Versailles; two brothers Jack (Irene) Fischer of Greendale and Charles (Jane) Fischer of Aurora; one sister Ann (Donald) Edwards of Versailles. He was preceded in death by his parents. Danny was a 1979 graduate of South Ripley High School. He was a diesel mechanic for Edwards Towing in Versailles and had worked for Stutler Paving in Milan. His other places of employment included the Whispering Pines pay lake, Southeastern Rural Telephone, and he had tended bar at the Drake Lounge in Madison. He was a member of the Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friendship. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 14th at 11am at the Bear Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Sherman Hughes officiating. Burial will be in the Akers Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5pm to 8pm 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 church of St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery at Dew berry in care of the funeral home.
Clint E. Watson, 92, of Columbus, formerly of Osgood passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the Columbus Health and Rehab Center. He was born at Madisonville in Hopkins County, Kentucky on November 5, 1918 the son of Jeff and Ruth Rushing Watson. He was married to Leona Spencer on August 21, 1940 and his wife of 70 years survives. Other survivors include one daughter Phyllis Johnson of Columbus; three sons Clark (Franka) Watson of Sentinel, Oklahoma, Paul (Karen) Watson of Dillsboro, and Norman (Karen) Watson of Pell City, Alabama; 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; one brother John (Esther) Watson of Zephyr Hills, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, and his brothers Clyde, Clifton, Jay, Joe, and Arnold Watson and his sister Catherine Tidwell. Mr. Watson was an electrician and had been employed with the Southeastern Indiana REMC and retired from the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center. Clint was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Versailles. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 5th at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Carter Corbrey officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the First Southern Baptist Church or the Seeing Eye Dog Charity.
Louis G. Stegemoller, 87, of Olean passed away Monday, February 28, 2011 at the Waters of Dillsboro Manor. He was born near Olean on April 4, 1923 the son of George and Laura Fisse Stegemoller. He was married to Eunice Stamper Hughes on December 29, 1990 and she preceded him in death on April 27, 2009. Survivors include step-children Vesta Ryan and Rev. Sherman (Muriel) Hughes both of Dillsboro and Charles Hughes of Westville; one brother Harold (Bea) Stegemoller of Versailles, sister-in-law Ethel Stegemoller of Versailles; 9 step-grandchildren, 16 step-great grandchildren, and 4 step-great-great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents, step-son George Hughes, his brother Henry Stegemoller, sisters Miriam Obendorf and Lucille Merritt, and his niece Christine Merritt. Mr. Stegemoller was a 1942 graduate of Cross Plains High School. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Olean and attended the Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friendship. Louie owned and operated Stegemoller Electric in Friendship for 53 years. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 4th at 11am at the Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friendship with Pastor James Culver of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Rev. Sherman Hughes of the Bear Creek Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery at Olean. Visitation will be Thursday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to Child Evangelism Fellowship or St. Peter’s Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Mattie Raper, 93, of Versailles passed away Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born at Watertown, Tennessee on May 22, 1918 the daughter of Jasper and Attie Taylor Midgett. She was married to Norman Raper and he preceded her in death on May 13, 1987. Survivors include two sons Herbert Raper and Ronald (Debbie) Raper both of Versailles. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Hugh, J.T., Robert, Wheeler, and Sherman Midgett, and her sisters Bertha Kirby, Francis Doyle, and her twin sister Hattie Pack. Mrs. Raper was a homemaker and assisted her husband and sons with their farm. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 2nd at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor James Culver of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Olean officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Laura Mae Bush, 78, of Holton passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. She was born near Holton on October 23, 1932 the daughter of Willard and Helen Pickett Lauber. She was married to Wilford Bush and he preceded her in death on April 4, 2002. Survivors include one daughter Mari Jo (Steven) Butler of Columbus; two sons Randy Bush of Aurora and Jeremy Bush of Holton; three grandchildren Adrienne Butler and Katherine Butler both of Indianapolis, and Dakota Fraley of Franklin; one sister Carol Bart of Peoria, Illinois. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her sister Rosadell LaFollette. Mrs. Bush was a homemaker and ran an upholstery business from her home for 30 years. In her younger years she had worked as a nanny for a family in Cincinnati. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 26th at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. David Shivers of the Hopewell Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Hopewell Cemetery near Holton. Visitation will be Saturday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Hopewell Baptist Church building fund in care of the funeral home.
John Leslie Walsh, 89, of Holton passed away Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born near Pierceville on May 4, 1921 the son of John and Alice Stegner Walsh. He was married to Ruth Brower on June 12, 1939 and his wife of 71 years survives. Other survivors include three sons Lloyd (Bernice) Walsh of Versailles, Alan (Arlene) Walsh of Nashville, IN, and David (Janie) Walsh of Palm Bay, Florida; 9 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Gary, brothers Norman and Walter Walsh, and his sisters Beulah Laswell and Lucille Downey. Mr. Walsh was a member of the Versailles Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and a trustee. He was also a member of the Ripley County Farm Bureau and the Versailles American Legion. Mr. Walsh was a farmer, a former employee of the Halcomb Home Center in Versailles, and drove a school bus for the Versailles schools for 20 years. John was an Army veteran of WWII where he served with the 740th Railway Operation Btn. He served in Northern France, Rhineland Central Europe, and the Ardennes receiving the American Theatre Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, Victory Medal, and the EAME Ribbon with 4 bronze stars. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 23rd at 11am at the Versailles Baptist Church with John’s granddaughter Rev. Lesley Krieger and Rev. Mike Cantrell officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be 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 Versailles Baptist Church building fund or the Holton Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Joe W. Day, 73, of Versailles passed away Sunday, February 13, 2011 at his home. He was born at Barwick in Breathitt County, Kentucky on October 12, 1937 the son of Kelly and Erasta Stidham Day. He was married to Peggy Sackett on July 12, 1996 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Darrell Day of Indianapolis and Dennis (Stefanie) Day of Lebanon; one daughter Sandy (Gale) Howard of Versailles; four step-children Douglas (Myra) Walston and Bethany (Terry) Chapman both of Rising Sun, Rebecca (Tim) Couch of Austin and David Walston of Versailles; 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers Dale (LaVerne) Day and Tom (Lorine) Day both of Versailles; four sisters Lillie Mae Hisle of Greenfield, Pruda Setser Mary Ellen Thieman, and Pauline (Irvin) Hart all of Versailles; sister-in-law Tish Day of Versailles. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Harlan Day. Mr. Day was a 1955 graduate of New Marion High School and had received an associates degree in electrical work. He was an electrician and a member of IBEW Local 639 and had also worked as a carpenter and plumber. Joe was a member of the Church of Christ at Milan. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 17th at 10:30am at the Church of Christ in Milan with Shawn McMullen and Dale Day officiating. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Garden at Madison. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9:30 until time of services Thursday at the church. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Church of Christ at Milan in care of the funeral home.
Roger L. Finney, 71, of Holton passed away Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. He was born at Covington, Kentucky on June 28, 1939 the son of Tom and Dorothy Quick Finney. He was married to Cathy Kuhlmeier on March 26, 1983 and she survives. Other survivors include one daughter Ellen Finney (David) Pickett of Pendleton; two sons John (Teresa) Finney of Indianapolis and Tom (Mary) Finney of Holton; four grandchildren Samuel and Joseph Pickett and John B. and Mattie Finney. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Benjamin and Charles Finney. Mr. Finney was a 1957 graduate of Simon Kenton High School in Independence, Kentucky and attended the American Institute of Banking in Cincinnati. He served in the US Army from 1961 to 1967, honorably discharged as a Specialist E5. He served as Director of Purchasing for the Provident Bank in Cincinnati, before taking a position in 1969 at Peoples National Bank in Lawrenceburg. He retired from banking in 1993 as Senior Vice-President, Branch Administrator, and member of the Board of Directors. From 1994 to 2003 Mr. Finney operated his own financial planning office in Aurora, providing services as a registered investment advisor. Roger was a charter member of the Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce, a Kentucky Colonel, and had served on the South Ripley School Board. He was a lifelong member of the Banklick Christian Church in Independence, Kentucky and had attended the Tanglewood Baptist Church for over 40 years serving as a deacon, choir director, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher. In his retirement, Mr. Finney enjoyed spending time on his farm with his family. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 16th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Russell Stephens officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Tanglewood Baptist Church or the Hansen Center in care of the funeral home.
Earnest F. Brison, 68, of Delaware passed away Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born at Jeffersonville on July 11, 1942 the son of George and Helen Hostettler Brison. He was married to Mary Noel on April 9, 1968 and she survives. Other survivors include four sons John (Chrissy) Brison of Benham, Justin (Amanda) Brison of Delaware, George Brison of Charlestown, and Kelly Brison of Charlestown; one daughter Joy Faulkner of Minnesota; 7 grandchildren; two sisters Helene Adcock and Delores “Pill” Pearson both of North Vernon; one brother Bob (Cathy) Brison of Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Christopher, and his sister Anna Mae Lozier. Mr. Brison was a self-employed mechanic and operated Brison’s Garage in Delaware for 40 years. He had also worked at Hoosier Auto Parts in Osgood. Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 19th at 1pm at the Hope Baptist Church near Dillsboro with Pastor Tom Holt officiating. Memorials may be given to the donors choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.
William “Bill” McCauley, 73, of Cross Plains passed away Sunday, February 6, 2011 at the Drake Hospital in Cincinnati. He was born on Bear Creek near Cross Plains on November 26, 1937 the son of Albert and Twila McMackin McCauley. He was married to Waunetta Fay Herndon on January 25, 1958 and she preceded him in death on May 31, 2010. Survivors include one son Michael (Stacy) McCauley of Greensburg; three daughters Theresa (Ken) Wagner of West Harrison, Tammy (Brian) Varble of Versailles, Kentucky, and Michelle (Jeff) Gammons of Milan; 9 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one sister Anita (David) Chandler of Cross Plains. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Loa Marie Fischer and Delores Meyer. Mr. McCauley was a 1955 graduate of Cross Plains High School. He was a truck driver for Hunger Trucking at Benham and retired as a driver for Aurora Casket after 20 years. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 11th at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Brian Varble officiating. Burial will be in the Methodist Cemetery at Cross Plains. Visitation will be Friday from 12pm until time of services at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the donors choice in care of the funeral home.
Vivian E. Matz, 93, of Napoleon passed away Saturday, February 5th, 2011 at the Indiana Heart Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born near Napoleon on September 2nd, 1917 the daughter of Louis and Ella Harlemert Bultman. She was married to William Matz on January 27th, 1940 and he preceded her in death on October 26th, 1987. Survivors include one daughter Cathy (Terry) Caplinger of Indianapolis; one grandson Michael Caplinger and his fiancé Jenny McQueen of Greenwood; one brother Clyde (Angie) Bultman of Joshua Tree, California. Mrs. Matz was a lifelong resident of the Napoleon community and was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at Fink’s Corner where she participated in the Ladies Aid Society. Vivian assisted her husband on the farm and was a homemaker. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 9th at 11am at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at Fink’s Corner with Rev. Karyl Leslie officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm 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 church building fund or the cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Berton A. Naylor, 77, of Holton passed away Thursday, February 3, 2011 at the Decatur Memorial Hospital in Greensburg. He was born at Milan on February 21, 1933 the son of Howard and Alice Brown Naylor. He was married to Elizabeth Harshman on June 8, 1957 and she survives. Other survivors include one son David (Christy Donoghue) Naylor of Westport; one daughter Lisa Naylor of Versailles; 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother William. Mr. Naylor was a 1951 graduate of Versailles High School. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. Cpl. Naylor served with the 619th Engineer Company and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a former employee of Thatcher Glass in Lawrenceburg and had been finance officer for Croxton Motors in Madison and Ande Chevrolet in Lawrenceburg. Bert was a member of the Versailles American Legion and the NRA. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Leon Turner officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Holton Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Lois M. Roth, 86, of Butlerville passed away Thursday, February 3, 2011 at her home. She was born at Commiskey on April 18, 1924 the daughter of Valentine and Myrtle Donnell Trapp. She was married to Allen Roth on March 13, 1941 and he preceded her in death on July 12, 1994. Survivors include two sons Curtis (Joyce) Roth and Frank (Mary Etta) Roth both of Butlerville; four daughters Betty (Roy) Gunter of New Marion, Shirley Borders of Benham, Judy (Tim) Tyler and Donna Shryer both of Holton; 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren; one brother Curtis (Sadie) Trapp of Austin. She was preceded in death by her sisters Lena Dunbar and Anna Simmons, and her granddaughter Natalie Tyler. Lois retired from Muscatatuck in 1986 where she worked for 30 years as an attendant. She was a member of the Versailles Church of Christ. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 7th at 12pm at the Versailles Church of Christ with Bro. Dale Day officiating. Burial will be in the Otter Creek Cemetery at Nebraska. Visitation will be Monday from 10am until time of services at the church. Memorials may be given to the Versailles Church of Christ in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.
Floyd Riggs, 77, of Rexville passed away Thursday, January 27, 2011 at the Mercy South Hospital in Fairfield. He was born in Cleves, Ohio on May 11, 1933 the son of William and Gladys Riggs. He was married to Rita Lierer on August 30, 1952 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Floyd D. (Linda) Riggs of Batesville; one daughter Kathy Brenner of Medora; grandchildren Eric Riggs of Seymour and Matthew Brenner of Medora; one sister Mabel McQueese of Aurora. Mr. Riggs was a heavy equipment operator. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was a member of the Versailles American Legion. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 31st at 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Garland Rudd officiating. Visitation will be from 5pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donors choice.
Margaret H. Kelly, 70, of Holton passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. She was born in Cincinnati on August 4, 1940 the daughter of Ben and Elizabeth Zengerling Wenker. She was married to Dr. Joseph Kelly on June 8, 1968 and he survives. Other survivors include three brothers Don (Susan) Wenker and Paul (Joyce) Wenker both of Cincinnati and Herman (Nancy) Wenker of Holton; two sisters Joan (Al) Heyson of Blue Ash, Ohio and Elizabeth Wenker of Cincinnati. Mrs. Kelly was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Osgood. She received her BS degree from St. Mary’s of the Woods in Columbus, Ohio and served as a dietetic intern at St. Louis University. Margaret worked as a registered dietician in St. Louis and Chicago and also managed her husband’s medical office. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 27th at 10am at St. John’s Catholic Church with Father Shaun Whittington officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rosary services at 6:30pm. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home.
Joan R. Calender, 71, of Elrod passed away Friday, January 28, 2011 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. She was born at Benham on December 19, 1939 the daughter of John and Grace Sedam Patton. She was married to Joseph “J.B.” Calender on November 27, 1958 and he survives. Other survivors include one daughter Jeanna Barnett of Cincinnati; grandchildren Joseph Calender, Rebecca Haase, and Joshua Rogers; one great-granddaughter Natalie Calender; two brothers John Patton of Lawrenceburg and Jim (Barb) Patton of Hodgkins, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Pat Taylor. Mrs. Calender was a 1958 graduate of Aurora High School and completed training at the Moeller Cosmetology School in Cincinnati in 1964. She had worked as a beautician in Versailles, Milan, and Lawrenceburg. Joan was also in the process of obtaining her pilot’s license and had logged enough hours in training to begin soloing. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 31st at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Visitation will be Sunday from 3pm to 5pm. Memorials may be given to Rescue 30 or the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home.
Glenn E. Swingle, 74, of Versailles passed away Thursday, January 20, 2011 at the Kentuckiana Medical Center in Clarksville. He was born at Batesville on July 2, 1936 the son of Harry and Viola Barth Swingle. He was married to Nancy Carson Howard on May 28, 1983 and she survives. Other survivors include three step-sons Gale (Sandy) Howard and Johnny Howard both of Versailles, and Branch (Victoria) Howard of Dayton, Ohio; 7 grandchildren; one brother Arthur (Partha) Swingle of Versailles. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Swingle was a 1955 graduate of Cross Plains High School. He was a self-employed contractor and had worked as a custodian for the Indiana State Police Post in Versailles. Glenn was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Olean. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 24th at 11am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Pastor James Culver officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2pm to 5pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s church of cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Dale Benham, 73, of Osgood passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born near Osgood on August 22, 1937 the son of Chauncey and Ruth Powers Benham. He was married to Bonnie Holman on February 3, 1957 and she survives. Other survivors include one daughter Beverly Tebbe of Vevay; four sons Raymond (Peggy) Benham, Kenneth (Tonya) Benham, Greg (Marisa) Benham, and Tim Benham all of Osgood; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; three brothers Jim Benham of Greensburg, Raymond Benham of Lexington, Nebraska, and David Benham of Osgood; five sisters Helen (Kenny) Mitterling of Greensburg, Helena (Jim) Fruchtnicht of Napoleon, Jean (Bill) Arthur and Pam (David) Hall both of North Vernon, and Phyllis (Bill) Wynn of Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Robert, Victor, Pete, and John Benham, and his sisters Mary Herbert, Lillian Riley, and Betty Wilson. Dale was a lifelong logger and horse puller. He was inducted into the Horse Pullers Hall of Fame and set a world record with his lightweight team in 1990. He also set records in nearly all 50 states and set many records in Indiana and Michigan. Dale began his pulling career in 1963 and his last pull was in Michigan in 2001. He was a member of the Cedar Creek Community Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 22nd at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Garland Rudd officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the donors choice in care of the funeral home.
Naomi Strimple, 95, of Osgood passed away Monday, January 17, 2011 at St. Andrews Health Campus in Batesville. She was born near Versailles on January 11, 1916 the daughter of Harrison and Mabel Warfield Courtaney. She was married to Hoover Strimple on February 15, 1936 and he preceded her in death on May 23, 1992. Survivors include two daughters Kay (Mike) Wells of South Bend and Mary Lou Mosier of Osgood; three sons Don Strimple of Versailles, Wayne (Janet) Strimple of Aurora, and Rex (Brenda) Strimple of Holton; 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; one brother Gene (Phyllis) Courtaney of West Lafayette. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Patsy Asche, and her sister Beatrice Oldham. Mrs. Strimple was a 1934 graduate of Versailles High School. She was a homemaker and had worked as a cook in the Jac-Cen-Del schools. Naomi was a member of the Tanglewood Baptist Church and the Versailles Eastern Star. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 20th at 2pm at the Tanglewood Baptist Church with Rev. Russell Stephens 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 1pm until time of services Thursday at the church. The Versailles Eastern Star will conduct services at 7:30pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Tanglewood Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Marie A. Jessee, 52, of Osgood passed away Saturday, January 15, 2011 at her home. She was born in Cincinnati on August 17, 1958 the daughter of John and Dorothy Houck Voll and was raised by her aunt Theresa Sartin. Survivors include her companion Bruce Bates; four sons George Jessee II of Willis, Texas, John Jessee of Sunman, Josh Jessee and Terry Jessee both of Osgood; two daughters Summer Voll and her companion Michael Taylor II and Jessica Copeland all of Cross Plains; 20 grandchildren; five sisters Patty Edwards, Mary West, Jackie Quackameyer, Debbie Lynn Spurlock all of Cincinnati, and Judy Voll of Connecticut; three brothers John Voll, Jr., Mark Anthony Voll, and William Joseph Voll all of Cincinnati. She was preceded in death by her parents and her aunt Theresa Sartin. Mrs. Jessee was a homemaker. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 20th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with Rev. Ray West officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 10am until time of services with burial in the Greendale Cemetery, in Osgood. Memorials may be given to the donors choice in care of the funeral home.
Rosella Holzer, 91, of Versailles passed away Monday, January 10, 2011 at her home. She was born in Indianapolis on January 29, 1919 the daughter of Joseph and Josephine Glaub Meister. She was married to Cletus Holzer on May 25, 1940 and he preceded her in death on June 6, 2008. Survivors include three sons J. Cletus (Kathi) Holzer of Trion, Georgia, John (Carol) Holzer of Versailles, and Mark (Janet) Holzer of Kernersville, North Carolina; four daughters Marie (Don) Strobel of Franklin, R. Joan (Leon) Sarringhaus of Hollister, California, Patricia Durlacher of Jacksonville, Florida, and Aletha (Owen, Jr.) Heaton of Cross Plains; 27 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren; one brother Paul (Glenda) Meister of Osgood; one sister Betty Rouse of Batesville. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lenora Kool, and her brothers Robert, Bill, John, Frank, and Joe Meister. Mrs. Holzer was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Osgood for over 60 years where she participated in the PCCW. She was also a member of the Ripley County Red Hatters and the Do-A-Lot Home Ec Club in Versailles. She along with her husband owned and operated the Court House Inn in Versailles and also worked in the John Holzer and Son Grocery in Versailles. Mrs. Holzer retired from the sewing room at Muscatatuck and during the Great Depression she had worked as a nanny for a family in Indianapolis. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 17th at 10am at St. John’s Catholic Church with Father Frank Eckstein and Father Shaun Whittington officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at Versailles. Visitation will be Sunday from 3pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rosary services at 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Melody G. Arney, 60, of Versailles passed away Friday, January 7, 2011 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. She was born at Madison on November 23, 1950 the daughter of Gayle and Joan Daily Geisler. She was married to Jim Arney on April 17, 1971 and he survives. Other survivors include her mother Mrs. Joan Geisler of Versailles; two sons Steve (Cassandra) Arney of Versailles and Bill (Susan) Arney of Austin, Texas; three grandchildren Megan, Kendall, and Abby; one sister Lynn (Charles) Baurley of Versailles. She was preceded in death by her father. Melody was a 1968 graduate of South Ripley High School. She was a Program Technician for the Ripley County Farm Service Agency in Versailles and was a former employee of the Bank of Versailles and Berry Materials. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 11th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. James Byerly of the Tyson United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Garden near Madison. Visitation will be Monday from 4pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the New Marion Fire Department in care of the funeral home.
Mildred Newhart, 95, of Osgood passed away Thursday, January 6, 2011 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. She was born near Dabney on December 6, 1915 the daughter of Guy and Katherine Fletcher Smith. She was married to Eldon Newhart on June 30, 1934 and he preceded her in death on October 28, 1985. Survivors include one daughter Pat (Wayne) Asche of Versailles; two grandchildren Rick (Karen) Turner of Beaver Creek, Ohio and Mandy (Matt) Collins of Osgood; three great-grandchildren and one step-great-great grandson; two sisters Ethel Anderson of Milan and Florence McAlister of Lawrenceburg: several nieces and nephews including Gary Anderson of Milan. Mrs. Newhart was also preceded in death by her parents, her son Eldon, and her brother Ernest Smith. Mildred was a 78 year member of the Dabney Baptist Church and attended the Dabney School. She was a homemaker and served as a volunteer at Buckeye Village in Osgood where she was a former resident. Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 9th at 3pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Irvin Hart and Rev. Charles Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Greendale Cemetery at Osgood. Visitation will be Sunday from 1pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Dabney Baptist Church or the Greendale Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Ruth P. Cole, 88, of Holton passed away Monday, January 3, 2011 at the Silver Memoires Health Center at Versailles. She was born near Osgood on March 11, 1922 the daughter of Albert and Clara Marie Kelley Hardebeck. She was married to Lawrence Cole on December 24, 1938 and he preceded her in death on February 1, 1982. Survivors include one son Lanny (Carolyn) Cole of Rexville; two daughters Rita (Philip) Meisberger of New Marion and Judy Powers and her companion Doug Harper of Holton; 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and 6 step-grandchildren; one brother Leo Hardebeck of Napoleon; one sister Diana (George) Shelton of Norfolk, Arkansas. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her son Leon Cole, daughter-in-law JoAnn Cole, son-in-law Omer Powers, great-granddaughter Kayleigh Meister, her brothers Roy (Rabbit), Charles, and Danny Hardebeck, and her sisters Colleen Elston, Vivian Sutton, Hope Hardebeck, and Jeanette Kluemper. Mrs. Cole was a member of the New Marion Baptist Church. She was a former employee of US Shoe at Osgood and was a homemaker. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 6th at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Karen Reynolds officiating. Burial will be in the Greendale Cemetery at Osgood. Visitation will be Thursday from 12pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Greendale Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Avis Cox, 88, of Osgood passed away Friday, December 31, 2010 at the Hoosier Christian Village in Brownstown. She was born at Whitesburg in Letcher County, Kentucky on October 28, 1922 the daughter of George and Caney Ingram Cornett. She was married to Monroe Cox on February 28, 1939 and he preceded her in death on October 23, 1996. Survivors include one daughter Shirley Hamilton of Brownstown; two sons Frank (Blanche) Cox of Osgood and Donald (Jane) Cox of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her son Jesse, her brothers Elmer Cornett and Gillias Cornett, and her sister Josie Jones. Mrs. Cox was a homemaker and a member of the Eastern Star and the Osgood Jolly Circle Homemakers Club. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 3rd at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with Rev. A. J. Poulton officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 3pm to 6pm. Memorials may be given to the Holton Cemetery in care of the funeral home
Janice L. Laswell, 72, of Versailles passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at her home. She was born at Milan on May 14, 1938 the daughter of Harry and Edna Poppenhaus Graves. She was married to Gerald Laswell on June 23, 1957 and he survives. Other survivors include two sons Larry (Elaine) Laswell and Terry (Sherry) Laswell both of Osgood; one daughter Sherri (Kevin) Comer of the Hopewell community; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Laswell was a 1955 graduate of Osgood High School and a 1956 graduate of the Indiana Central Business College in Indianapolis. She was the Food Service Director for South Ripley Schools for 25 years and also worked as the bookstore manager and was a secretary to the Superintendent. Janice was a member of the Shelby Christian Church, the Versailles Eastern Star, and the Delta Rho Chapter of Tri-Kappa. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 3rd at 11am at the Shelby Christian Church with Randy Thieman officiating. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Garden near Madison. Visitation will be Sunday from 2pm to 5pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Monday at the church. Tri-Kappa will conduct memorial services Sunday at 4:45pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Shelby Christian Church in care of the funeral home.
Go to: Obituaries Year 2002
