Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home, 1114 S. Ripley Estates Drive , P. O. Box 84, Versailles, IN (2026)

03/10/2026

Pamela Sue Quick, 80, of Versailles passed away at 2:15 a.m., Tuessday, March 10, 2026 at the River Terrace Health Campus in Madison. She was born in Covington, Kentucky on August 27, 1945, the daughter of Russell and Rosemary Robke Quick. Survivors include one son Russell “Rusty” (Erin) Gordon of Versailles; one sister Jan (Terry) Schnell of Covington; and Pam’s companion of 40 years Earl Comer. Pam would always say that she and Earl were “happily unmarried”. She was preceded in death by her parents. Pam was a 1963 graduate of Simon-Kenton High School in Independence, Kentucky. For many years Pam operated the Southwest Art Ceramic Shop and she and Earl owned and operated Broomtail Carriages since 2007. They offered carriage rides in Cincinnati, Covington, Newport, and also in Madison. Pam was well known in the community for her love of horses and mules and she always enjoyed working her farm. She was a founder of the Indiana Wagon Train Club and also belonged to several saddle clubs. In 1991 she rode with the Kentucky Trailblazers and carried the flag from the Cumberland Gap to Boonesboro, and she also had the opportunity to participate in the Pony Express ride at Canaan. Pam had a pen pal in Australia and had the chance to visit her on more than one occasion. She also enjoyed selling her ceramic pumpkins at the Versailles Pumpkin Show. Pam was a devout Catholic. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13 at 11 a.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Michael Layne of the St. John Lutheran Church in Napoleon officiating. Burial will be in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Napoleon. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorials may be given to the cemetery in care of the funeral home.

03/05/2026

Nancy Elaine Wenker was born May 28, 1939 in East Detroit, Michigan to Ray and Natalie Bowen and departed this life on February 12, 2026 in St. James City, Florida. Nancy graduated from Alba High School in Alba, Michigan. She received her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan College. Nancy met her husband Herman while working as a camp counselor for handicapped children. She developed a love for art and attended the Chicago Institute of Art. She became an art teacher in the Cincinnati Public School system and an all-girls Catholic school called Marion High School. Nancy had a passion for her students. She worked at building such strong relationships with her students that her passion grew in to an interest in furthering her education in counseling and psychology. She received her Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Cincinnati. A Masters in child psychology and her Doctorate in clinical psychology. While she was working on her Doctorate she taught classes at the University of Cincinnati. Nancy was known for her fun-loving personality and her great sense of humor. She was an avid learner with an ongoing family joke that she was a professional student. She was also a very loving mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband Herman, her daughter Michelle Wenker, sister Ester Harris, and her brother Lloyd Bowen. She is survived by her sons Gregory and Chris Wenker; her brother Gary Bowen, and her sisters Phyllis Smith and Audrey Mason; grandchildren Noah, Chloe, Jeff, Bradley, Griffen, and Courtney Wenker. A memorial mass for Nancy will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 14 at the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood with Father Binu Mathew officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

02/28/2026

Esther Eileen Kieffer, 98, of New Marion passed away at 4:10 p.m., Friday, February 27, 2026 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born in the St. Magdalene Community near New Marion on July 18, 1927, the daughter of George and Dora McNew Gigerich. She was married to Arthur Kieffer on July 22, 1950, and he preceded her in death on April 25, 2014. Survivors include three daughters Kathy Kieffer of Greensburg, Carol (Sam) Byard, and Joan Carter both of Versailles; three grandsons Kile (Kendra) Carter, Craig Byard, and Joel (Kelli) Carter, and great-grandchildren Brayden and Blake Dilk, Briggs Carter, and Ruth and Esther Carter. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Lawrence and Edmond Gigerich, and her sisters Hilda Effinger, Eva Baurley, and Rosemary Owens. Mrs. Kieffer was a 1946 graduate of New Marion High School and was a former employee of the New Marion School. She was an excellent seamstress, loved gardening, cooking, baking, and had beautiful flower gardens. She loved spoiling her grandsons and baking them their favorite pies. Eileen was a lifelong member of the former St. Magdalene Catholic Church in New Marion and then became a member of the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood and attended as long as her health permitted. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 5 at the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood with Father Binu Mathew officiating. Burial will be in the St. Magdalene Cemetery at Madison. Memorials may be given to St. John’s Building Fund in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

02/23/2026

Gilbert L. Wilson, 88, of New Marion passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at his home and at peace surrounded by his family and his pastor Josh. He was born in Jefferson County near China on October 31, 1937, the son of Lester “Woody” and Marie Schafer Wilson. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Larry A. Wilson, and his brother-in-law Raymond Barron. Mr. Wilson was raised in the Canaan area and lived in New Marion. He was married to Letha Jean Wilson on May 20, 1961 and his wife of 64 years survives. Other survivors include four daughters Regina (Danny) Giltner of Madison, Renee Hunger of Hanover, Reina (Darrell) Simpson of Columbus, and Rachelle Wilson of Madison; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; one sister Mary Dean Barron of Madison, and sister-in-law Janice Wilson of Hanover. Gilbert graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1955. On November 17 of that year, he enlisted in the US Navy and served for four years with the Airborne Early Warning Squadron. Gilbert was a radioman on WV 2 Aircraft, serving in that capacity for 1,500 hours of flying time. He was stationed in Hawaii. For service to his country Gilbert received the Good Conduct Medal. In civilian life he worked as an inspector and in maintenance for Conn Organ in Madison for 18 years. He then went to work for Robus Leather in Madison until his retirement. Gilbert enjoyed squirrel hunting, attending auctions, car races, collecting Griswold skillets, gardening, and keeping his yard mowed. He served as the first fire chief for the New Marion Fire Department. Gilbert was a member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church in China and had attended the New Marion Baptist Church. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday February 27 at the New Marion Cemetery with Rev. Josh Jackson and Michael Grigsby officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be given to the New Marion Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

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

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