Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home

02/12/2026

Margaret Lochard, 84, of Milan passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at her home. She was born at Mallie in Knott County, Kentucky on Thursday, October 19, 1941, the daughter of Gordon and Melda Johnson Reynolds. She was married to Dale Lochard on September 23, 1961 and he preceded her in death on January 18, 2007. Survivors include two sons Dale Lochard, Jr. of Versailles and Stanley Lochard of Milan; one daughter Jennifer (Mark) Henson of Ocala, Florida; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; one sister Catherine (Maurice) Minger of Milan. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Teresa Laggaman, her brothers Robert, Haskell, Gordon, Ray, and Marion Reynolds, and her sisters Pauline Rohrig, Ruth Hankins, and Sue Reynolds. Margaret and Dale owned and operated Lochard’s Flowers in Milan for 35 years. Margaret also worked in the cafeteria at Milan High School for 25 years where she was affectionately known as the “desert lady”. Margaret was a member of the Milan Easter Star and had attended the Little Memory Old Regular Baptist Church as long as her health permitted. She enjoyed listening to bluegrass music and spending time with her family. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, February 14 at 11 a.m. at the Mud Pike Cemetery near Osgood with Rev. Harris Long officiating. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Mud Pike Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

01/28/2026

Lester R. Rea, 93, of Rexville passed away at 12:15 p.m., Monday, January 26, 2026 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born near Rexville on December 30, 1932, the son of Earl and Edna Starke Rea. He was married to Mary Jessie Demaree on October 3, 1970 and she preceded him in death on January 16, 2015. Survivors include one son John Rea of Rexville; three granddaughters Hannah Rea of Golden, Colorado, Julia (Chase) Samples of Osgood, and Elizabeth Rea, a student at Purdue University at West Lafayette. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother Russell. Mr. Rea was a 1951 graduate of New Marion High School where he was his class salutatorian. On May 20, 1953 Lester enlisted in the US Army and served until May 5, 1955 as a Corporal with the 1st Infantry Division and the 3rd Armored Division. For service to his country Lester received the National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupational Medal (Germany), Good Conduct Medal, and the Sharpshooter Badge. In civilian life he was a farmer and worked for 36 years at the Jefferson Proving Ground as a director in material testing and weapons maintenance. Lester enjoyed hunting, fishing, and helping John with his farming. When his health allowed, Lester attended the Versailles Church of Christ. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 12 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Randy Thieman officiating. Burial will be in the Fairmount Cemetery in Madison with military honors by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will also be on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials may be given to the West Fork Cemetery or the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.

01/17/2026

Paul David Clayton, 75, of New Marion passed away at 8:30 a.m., Friday, January 16, 2026 at his home. He was born in Cleves, Ohio on November 13, 1950, the son of Cecil and Margaret Lockridge Clayton. He was married to Sandra Steele on February 19, 1971 and she survives. Other survivors include one son David Scott (Sophie) Clayton of Floyds Knobbs; one daughter Angela Deann (Frank) Clayton-Earl of Holton; two grandchildren Paul Michael Parsons and Lucy Kay Clayton; one great-granddaughter Elliott Mathews; two brothers Tim (Kathy) Clayton of Commiskey and Joe (Vickie) Clayton of Holton; one sister Ruth (Clarence) Hill of Madison; brothers-in-law Jim Hall of North Vernon; brother-in-laws; Leigh (Cheryl) Steele of Benham, Glenn (Brenda) Steele of Versailles and Norman (Ann) Steele of Stanford, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Will Clayton, and his sister Barbara Hall. Mr. Clayton was a 1969 graduate of South Ripley High School. He was an Army veteran serving at Ft. Knox and received his technical training at Ft. Ord, California. In civilian life Paul worked for Jim Peters Construction in Versailles and for Bruns-Gutzwiller Construction in Batesville. His hobbies included bird watching and fishing, and Paul was a founding member of the Wednesday Safety Meetings. Paul was also a member of the Versailles American Legion and Labor Union Local 741. Paul’s wishes were to be cremated and celebration of his life will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, January 24 at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Clarence Hill officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Military honors will be presented by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be given to the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.

01/16/2026

Jonathan Harris, 64, of Osgood passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the St. Elizabeth Dearborn Hospital in Lawrenceburg. He was born in Logansport on January 31, 1961, the son of John and Audrey O’Connor Harris. He was married to Becky Hughes on August 11, 1990 and she survives. Other survivors include his step-mother Sally Harris of Westfield; step-sister Jackie (Sam) Nelson of Westfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Barbara Curtis and LaVon Fletcher, and his brother Daniel Harris. Jon graduated high school in Alabama and studied at Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Union Bible College. He was a supply pastor for two years and had numerous jobs throughout his life. His hobbies included singing solos in church, reading, and he was a big sports fan. Jonathan was a member of the Crossroads Wesleyan Church near Holton. Jon’s wishes were to be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, January 25th at the Crossroads Wesleyan Church with Pastor James Adams officiating. Visitation will begin at 2p.m. Memorials may be given to the church in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

01/13/2026

Ruth M. Taylor, 73, of Mt. Eden, Kentucky passed away at 3 a.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the home of her daughter. She was born in Holton on February 13, 1952, the daughter of Hansford and Beatrice Grills Sizemore. Survivors include one son Gary (Marcie) Shaw of Madison; two daughters Lori (Gary) Walston of Mt. Eden, Kentucky and Shellie (Lance) Wenning of Louisville; 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sons Larry Jr. and Terry Shaw, her sister Margaret English, and her brothers Charles, Kenneth, Marvin, Leroy, and Carl Sizemore. Mrs. Taylor had worked as a CNA in local nursing homes and was a former employee of Reliance Electric, US Shoe, Muscatatuck State Hospital, Conn Organ, and retired in 2019 from KB Foods in Greensburg where she worked in sanitation. Ruth enjoyed visiting the casinos, playing cards, sewing, reading, camping, fishing, and was an excellent cook. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 16 at 1 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Tim Osborn officiating. Burial will be in the Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation will also be on Friday beginning at 11 a.m. Memorials may be given to the Delaware Community Church in care of the funeral home.

01/12/2026

Curtis Brewer, 60, of North Vernon passed away Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Seymour Crossing. He was born in Lawrenceburg on January 14, 1965, the son of Charles Brewer and Maxine Farrett Blair. Survivors include his mother; Maxine of Columbus, one daughter Samantha (Jorge) Lockard of Columbus; three grandchildren Annabelle McClain, Ava Lockard, and Fallon Lockard; 2 brothers Darrell (Danette) Brewer and Chuck (Lisa) Brewer all of Columbus; one sister Rhonda Combs of Jeffersonville. He was preceded in death by his father and his step-father (who raised him) Doug Webb, grandparents; Audrey and Sheldon Brewer, Lois and Charles Farrell. Mr. Brewer was a 1983 graduate of Columbus North High School. Curtis loved to read the Bible every day, loved being on his grandmother’s farm (Lois Farrell), driving tractors and bulldozers, always looking for bargains at auctions, and spending time with family. Curtis wishes were to be cremated and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Donor’s choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

01/10/2026

Beverly Graves, 61, of Osgood passed away Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Jewish Hospital in Kenwood, Ohio. She was born in Lawrenceburg on January 19, 1964, the daughter of Bobby and Juanita Goebel Bryant. She was married to Stephen Graves on October 3, 1998 and he preceded her in death on April 20, 2020. Survivors include one son William (Sarah) Hammer of Cincinnati; two daughters Jennifer Fette of Osgood and Jessica (Bob) Bordner of Batesville; 7 grandchildren; two brothers Buddy Bryant of Aurora and Bobby (Shelly Jansen) Bryant of Greendale; three sisters Debbie Draper of Aurora and Kerry Bryant and Darlene Bryant both of Greendale; her sister-in-law Joyce Bryant of Batesville, along with several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Stephanie Hammer, and her brother Kenneth Bryant. Other special people in her life included Barbara (Gerry) Gibbons, Bonita Williams, Shelly Eisert, George Moore, Christy Mills, Dave Ridlen, Frank Cummins, and Tommy Metcalf. Mrs. Graves was a graduate of South Dearborn High School and graduated as an LPN from Ivy Tech, spending her entire working career in healthcare. Beverly was a lifelong member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Sunman. She enjoyed Elvis impersonators, camping, vacationing and spending time with her family. Much to the opposition of her family, Beverly was a KC Chiefs fan. Beverly’s wishes were to be cremated and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Hopewell Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

01/02/2026

Virginia Lee (Adams) Monroe, 97, of Versailles, died at 9:53 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 at home. She was born Sept. 23, 1928, near Osgood, the daughter of John and Mamie (Krom) Adams. She was married to Lovell Monroe on November 8, 1947, and was a full-time homemaker. Virginia was a 1946 graduate of Napoleon High School and a volunteer church youth leader with her husband at Rushville and at Versailles Baptist Church, where she was a member more than 60 years. During her years at the Versailles church, Virginia also served in the choir, as a member of the missionary society, as a deaconess, and as a nursery class teacher. She was active in 4-H as a girl and was a leader of the Hassmer Hilltoppers 4-H girls club in Versailles for many years. She loved gardening, fishing, reading, writing poetry, creating art, and playing games with and being around her large family. Virginia is survived by daughters Darlene (Earl) Ogata, of Lexington, Ky.; Diann (Rick) Marksberry, of Florence, Ky.; and Debra "Debbie" (Cleon) McIntyre, of Georgetown, Ky., and son David (Cindy) Monroe of Osgood. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, Lovell, a sister, Onda Young, and two step great grandchildren, Jack and Caroline Lewis. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Versailles Baptist Church with pastors Mike Cantrell and Richard Burcham officiating. Burial will be at Union Flat Rock Cemetery, in Osgood. Visitation will also be at the church on Wednesday beginning at 9:30 a.m. and at Stratton Karstetter Funeral Home on Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to Union Flat Rock Cemetery Association, Southeastern Baptist Youth Camp, or Versailles Baptist Church in care of the funeral home

12/27/2025

Charles L. Marsee, 71, of Rexville passed away at 5:50 a.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. He was born in Covington, Kentucky on December 6, 1954, the son of Eugene and Barbara Riley Marsee. He was married to Florence “Cookie” Pratt on March 5, 1982 and she preceded him in death on October 17, 2023. Survivors include his father Eugene Marsee of Versailles; two brothers Tim (Sara) Marsee of Vincennes and Mark (Tonya) Marsee of Indianapolis; one sister Connie (Stanley) Shadday of Osgood, along with his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother. Mr. Marsee was a 1974 graduate of East Central High School. He was a former employee of Akers Shell Station in Versailles and retired from Delta Faucet in Greensburg in 2006. Charlie always managed to overcome the handicaps in his life, allowing him to enjoy working along with fishing and doing his family’s genealogy. Charlie was a member of the Shelby Christian Church. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, December 31st at the Shelby Christian Church with B. J. Patton officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will also be at the church on Wednesday beginning at 11 a.m. Memorials may be given to the church or the cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

12/25/2025

12/20/2025

Rita Jo (Volz) Ester, 88, of Milan passed away Friday, December 19, 2025 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. She was born in Milan on September 17, 1937, the daughter of Chris Sr. and Ada Koechlin Volz. She was married to Don Ester on June 13, 1959. Rita was a 1955 graduate of Milan High School and attended Marquette University and Hanover College. She worked at Fernald, as the treasurer of the Moores Hill School, and finished her career as the office manager for Larry Barlow DDS in Milan. Don and Rita enjoyed many years of camping and traveling the United States in their motor home with friends and family. They purchased a home in Bradenton, Florida and spent the winter there. Rita’s hobbies were quilting, embroidering, playing cards, and reading. She enjoyed lunches with her friends and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Mary Meyer McKittrick; daughters Gretchen (Richard) Ho**er, Heidi Becker, Eric (Bev) Ester, and Donald Jr. (Renae Johnson) all of Milan; grandchildren Adam (Katie) Ho**er, Alex (Jodie) Ho**er, Johnathan Becker, Tyler Ester, Erica (Aaron) Mathes, Sara Ester (Joshua Cronauer), Taylor Ester, Gabbie Ester, Abigael (Matt) Brewer, Olivia (Charles) Storms, Tyler (Sara) Johnson, Jordan Johnson (USMC); great-grandchildren Caroline and Declan Ho**er, Lane and Laramie Ho**er, Cash, Mia, and Kennedy Mathes, Mack Gould, Asher, Jackson, and Waylon Brewer, Leah, Lainey, Rylee, and Renn Johnson, Lyric, and Melodie Storms. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald Ester, Sr., her brother Chris Volz, Jr., her sister Joan Konnersman, and her son-in-law Bruce Becker. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 23 at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Milan with Father Shaun Whittington officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rosary services at 4:30 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Milan Fire Department or the St. Charles Cemetery in care of the funeral home.