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March 26, 2013

Lena Isabella Dramann

Lena Isabella Dramann, age 103 of Batesville, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at St. Andrews Health Care Campus. She was born on November 8, 1909, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Kittenbrink) Lang in Versailles.

The 1925 high school graduate married Gordon Burroughs on June 15, 1940 and he died on May 22, 1957. On November 8, 1957 Lena remarried Bhuford L. Dramann and he died on December 7, 1987.

Lena had been a member of the Washington Baptist Church in Elrod.

Like most women living through the Great Depression, she learned to do what it took to keep life going, like the cooking, canning, and baking their own breads. She continued to work her magic in the kitchen baking into her 90's. Lena enjoyed all kinds of needle point and quilting. She made many quilts for family members.

Lena loved to play bingo, and to fish. In fact, for her 100th birthday she celebrated by going fishing. Most of all, Lena loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lena will be missed by her four stepchildren, William Dramann (Martha) of Batesville, James Draman (Karen) of Brownsburg, Joan Criswell of Lebanon, and Sarah Howell of Beaverton, OR; along with her 11 step grandchildren, 24 step great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Frances Dwenger, two step grandchildren and her brother Henry Lang.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 26 from 5-8 p.m. at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Funeral service will be at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, at Meyers Funeral Home with Rev. Charles Flory officiating. Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery in Elrod.

Memorials may be given to Batesville Rescue 10, Margaret Mary Community Hospital Hospice or Washington Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville, is in charge of arrangements.

Rich Geisler

Rich Geisler, 60, of Versailles, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at his home. He was born at Batesville on July 1, 1952, the son of Raymond and Esther Werner Geisler. He was married to Mary Ann Ellison on August 8, 1975 and she survives.

Other survivors include his parents Raymond and Esther Geisler of Versailles; his son Danny (Liz) Geisler of Versailles; his brother John (Lisa) Geisler of Versailles; his sister Melissa (Steve) Spencer of Lawrenceburg; his mother-in-law Janet Ellison of Leesburg, and his brother-in-law Kent Ellison of Muncie. He was preceded in death by his sons Joseph Andrew Geisler and Brian Nicholas Geisler and his brother William David Geisler.

Mr. Geisler was a 1970 graduate of South Ripley High School and received his Bachelors Degree in Agriculture Mechanization from Purdue University in 1974. He had farmed his entire life and in his spare time enjoyed golfing. Rich was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Olean where he had served on the church council.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 23 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Olean with Pastor Dennis Zimmerman and Dr. Marcus Felde officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Cemetery, St. Paul's Improvement Fund, or the Versailles Fire Department in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

Darlene Kay Fischer Heeke

Darlene Kay Fischer Heeke, 69, of Manchester, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2013. Services will be Tuesday, March 26 at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Farmers Retreat. Burial will be in the St. Johns Cemetery in Farmers Retreat. Memorials may be given to the family. DeVries Funeral Home, Dillsboro, is entrusted with arrangements.

James Richard Leahigh

James Richard Leahigh, 57, of Versailles, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  He was born March 14, 1956 in Seymour, the son of Clarence A. and Mary Polling Leahigh. He married Gayle Wilhoit on May 30, 1981.

Mr. Leahigh had worked for the Ripley County Highway Department as a truck driver in the late 1980's until the early 1990's. He also had been a semi driver for Sharon Brown Trucking of Newpoint, and later worked for Hilex of North Vernon. He loved spending time with his family and also enjoyed golfing and fishing. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Gayle Leahigh of Versailles; son, Christopher Leahigh of Madison; daughters, Cecilia Leahigh of Indianapolis, Tiffany Thomas of Versailles; sister, Joyce Neal of North Vernon; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, David Leahigh; and one sister, Carolyn Barnes.

Services will be held Wednesday, March 27 at Neal's Funeral Home, Osgood, with visitation from 5-7 p.m. with funeral immediately following. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be given to the family. Neal's Funeral Home, Osgood, is assisting the family. www.neals-funeralhome.net.

Marion Eugene Steele

Marion Eugene Steele, 79, of Brookville, passed away Friday, March 22, 2013. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 27, at 11 a.m. at Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan. Burial will follow in Mt. Sinai Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan, is entrusted with arrangements.

Christ Yost Wenger

Christ Yost Wenger, 79, of Dillsboro, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013. Private services were held. Neal's Funeral Home, Osgood, was in charge of arrangements.

Gay White

Gay White, 81, of Versailles, passed away Monday, March 25, 2013 at the King's Daughters' Hospital in Madison. She was born near Dabney on July 18, 1931, the daughter of Luther and Emma Ensminger Pickett. She was married to Ed White on December 6, 1949 and he survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Rocky (Susie) White of Napoleon and Roger White of Osgood; three daughters, Joyce (Jim) Youngman of Osgood, Linda (Bill) Brewer and Bonnie (Mike) Raney, both of Versailles; nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; one brother, Everett (Gail) Pickett of Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers Dale Pickett and Hillis Pickett.

Mrs. White was a 1949 graduate of Holton High School. She was a homemaker, had worked for US Shoe in Osgood, and did babysitting.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 27 at 2 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. David Shivers of the Hopewell Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12 p.m. until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Holton Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

March 19, 2013

Freeman E. Giblin

Freeman E. Giblin, 98, of Batesville (formerly of Sunman and Moores Hill), passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Margaret Mary Community Hospital. He was born on May 20, 1914 in Moores Hill, to Richard & Clara (Surber) Giblin.

The 1932 Moores Hill High School graduate began driving for Naas Trucking. He had a route from Sunman to Portland, IN hauling all types of tomato products.

He entered the United States Army in April 1941. He was in the 38th Cyclone Infantry Division, 152 Infantry with his basic training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. His tour of duty was in the South West Pacific Theatre during WWII and some of the conflicts included the Battle of Bataan and Zig Zag Pass. He had little to say about his combat days, as wartime stories were kept to himself. He did talk of the places he saw and friendships that were made. In November 1945 Freeman left the military as a skilled mechanic and returned home with an honorable discharge.

Freeman went to work after the war for Osborn Motor Company in Sunman as a mechanic for many years. Then he went to work for McPhersons in Sunman, where he later retired.

On June 18, 1947 Freeman married Mildred Baas in Penntown. She preceded him in death on October 22, 2009. Freeman was a member of St. John United Church of Christ of Penntown, the Batesville American Legion Post #271 and Sunman Lodge #590 F&AM.

He will be greatly missed by his daughter and her husband Sheryl and Paul Voss of Batesville, his grandchildren Amy (Joe) Rippe and Doug Voss along with his great grandchildren Addyson, Aidan and Grayson Rippe and Kohlson, Lauren and Preston Voss. In addition to his wife, he was preceded by his brothers Richard and Meredith Giblin.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 19 from 4-7 p.m. at St. John UCC Penntown. Funeral services will at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at St. John UCC Penntown with Rev. Lynne Busch officiating with one hour of calling before service. Burial to follow in the St. John UCC Cemetery with military graveside rites.

Memorials may be made to St. John UCC Penntown. Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville, is serving the family.

Harry Edward Hoffman, Jr.

Harry Edward Hoffman, Jr., 88, of Dillsboro, passed away Friday, March 15, 2013 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. Harry was born on August 8, 1924 in Cincinnati, OH, the only child of Harry Edward Hoffman, Sr., and Alma Rae White.

Harry resided in Dillsboro through his adolescent and teen years. He graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. degree, and began a tour with the US Air Force, serving in the Signal Corps during WWII. He attained the rank of Tec. Sgt. T-4.

Following his military career, Harry joined the State Department, working in the foreign service. He traveled around the world extensively, and was a very interesting person to visit with. He was very well read, and had definite ideas on many issues.

Following his retirement from the foreign service, Harry returned to Dillsboro in 1981.

He was a member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church, was involved with the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, Cincinnati Art Museum, and Indianapolis Art Museum. He was a member of the American Legion, Dillsboro Civic Club, Dearborn County Historical Society, Hillforest Historical Foundation, Historic Lawrenceburg Foundation, and served on the board of directors of the Ross Foundation, Inc., and Dearborn Highland Arts Council in Lawrenceburg.

Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be given to the Dillsboro Volunteer Fire Department or to the Dillsboro Emergency Unit. Arrangements are entrusted to DeVries Funeral Home, Dillsboro.

Wilbur F. Luers

Wilbur F. Luers, 91, of Versailles, formerly of Sunman, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at St. Andrew's Health Campus at Batesville. He was born near Versailles on February 26, 1922, the son of Conrad and Emma Schierenback Luers. He was married to Dorothy Pratt on October 21, 1943 and she preceded him in death on March 29, 1995.

Survivors include two sons, Jerry (Pat) Luers of Morris and Keith (Mary Ann) Luers of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two daughters, Peggy Luers of Sacramento, California and Freda Luers of Terre Haute; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; two brothers, Ray Luers of Oklahoma and Gilbert Luers of Jacksonville, Florida. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Jason Luers, his sister Ruth Narwold, and his brothers Robert Luers and Clifford Luers.

Wilbur was an Army veteran of WWII where he served with the 6th AART Battalion and was a farmer, a former manager for the Ripley County Farm Bureau Co-Op in Osgood and Sunman, and had driven a school bus for the Sunman-Dearborn and South Ripley schools.

Wilbur was a member of the Versailles Baptist Church and a former member of the Sunman Community Church and was also a member of the Versailles American Legion.

Mr. Luers had served as a 4-H leader for several years in Penntown and Osgood.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 18 at the Versailles Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Cantrell officiating. Burial was in the Cliff Hill Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery or the Versailles Baptist ABY in care of Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home, Versailles.

Donald A. "Donnie" Richards

Donald A. "Donnie" Richards, 76, of Moores Hill, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2013.  Funeral services were held Saturday, March 16, at the Holman Christian Union Church, Aurora, with burial in the Forest Hill Cemetery at Moores Hill. Memorials may be made to the family through the funeral home. Sibbett-Moore Funeral Home, Moores Hill, was entrusted with arrangements. Go to www.sib-bettmoore.com to sign the online register book.

Earl Ruggles

Earl Ruggles, 93, of Milan, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the Waters of Dillsboro, Ross, at Dillsboro. Earl was born in Poplar Flats (Tollsboro), Kentucky on Tuesday, June 3, 1919, the son of Chris and Ola (Manley) Ruggles, who moved to Pierceville when Earl was nine years old.

Earl graduated from Napoleon High School in 1938 and worked in construction and began wiring houses. He served in the 912th Signal Corp, US Army during WWII in the Pacific where he repaired communications equipment and trained pilots to use radar.  He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and trained others to repair electronic equipment.

About 1955, he opened a radio and TV repair business in Milan, which he operated for about 45 years.

He was active in many community organizations and a member of the I.O.O.F. Odd Fellows Lodge for 50 years.

Earl is survived by his wife of 72 years, Laverne; two daughters, Cora Johnson (Louis Huron) of Osgood, and Karen (Laren) Hunter of Milan; one brother, Ralph Ruggles of Milan, three grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Leroy, Newell and Herb Ruggles and a sister Edith Eaglin.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 16 at Hogan Hill Cemetery, Aurora, with Rev. Harris Long officiating. Memorials may be given to the Milan Fire Dept. or Milan Rescue 30 through the funeral home. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan, was entrusted with the arrangements. Visit www.lawscarrmoore.com to sign the online register book.

Elmer P. Schraub

Elmer P. Schraub, 87, of Brownsburg, formerly of Versailles, passed away Monday, March 11, 2013. He was born March 10, 1926, the son of John Elmer Schraub and Bertha Minnie (Streiner) Schraub, who preceded him in death.

Also preceding him in death were his wife, Zola Schraub; brother, Leland Elwood Schraub; daughter, Debra Hutchens; and daughter-in-law, Rita Watts.

He was a truck driver for 60 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and a member of the Brownsburg American Legion Post 331.

Survivors include sons, David Schraub and Richard Watts; sisters, Dorene Landwehr and Vera Schraub; eight grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral was held March 14 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with military honors.

March 12, 2013

Timothy Curtis Bowman

Timothy Curtis Bowman, 17, of the Flat Rock community near Osgood, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2013 as the result of an automobile accident. He was born at Batesville on October 20, 1995, the son of Tim and Pat Pennington Bowman.

Survivors include his parents, brothers Keith Bowman at home and Michael Orr of Osgood; sisters, Tiffany Orr and companion J. T. Barrett of Holton and Krista Bowman at home; maternal grandmother, Juanita Pennington of Medora; paternal grandmother, Eileen Bowman of Dillsboro; aunts and uncles, Shirley (Troy) Thayer of Harrison, Ohio, Debbie (George) Bundunah of Dillsboro, Janet Bomberger of Texas, Joyce Smith of Kentucky, Dennis (Debbie) Pennington, and Richard (Chara) Pennington both of Orleans.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Bill Bowman and Raymond Pennington.

Curtis was a junior at South Ripley High School where he participated in the FFA and had won forestry awards on the state level. He enjoyed coon hunting, deer hunting, and worked for his dad at their tree trimming business.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. David Shivers officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be also be Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donor's choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.

Randy J. "Bear" Bush

Randy J. "Bear" Bush, 57, of Aurora, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2013 in Evansville. He was born at Batesville on January 11, 1956, the son of Wilford and Laura Mae Lauber Bush.

Survivors include his companion Tammy Brown; one brother, Jeremy Bush of Holton; one sister, Mari Jo (Steve) Butler of Columbus; nieces, Adrienne Butler of Carmel and Katherine Butler of Indianapolis; his nephew, Dakota Fraley of Holton. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Bush was a 1974 graduate of South Ripley High School and was an avid biker. He was employed with Harsco Construction where he worked as a labor foreman.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 1 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will be in the Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 12 p.m. until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Heart Association or Rescue 69 in care of the funeral home.

Samantha Rae Hansen

Samantha Rae Hansen, 18, of Holton, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2013 as the result of an automobile accident. She was born in Greensburg on July 14, 1994, the daughter of Matthew and Jenny Wahl Hansen.

Survivors include her parents; sisters, Amanda Hansen and Nikki Hansen; maternal grandmother, Henrietta Wahl of Holton; maternal grandfather, George Wahl, Jr. of Osgood; paternal grandparents, Richard and Pauletta Hansen of Holton; aunts and uncles, George (Joyce) Wahl of Versailles, Tom (Melissa) Menchhofer of Holton, and Jason (Monica) Hansen of Versailles.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother Rita Hansen.

Samantha was a senior at South Ripley High School where she participated in the science, Spanish, SADD, drama, math, and social studies clubs and was also a member of the band. She was also a member of the student council, served as president of the FFA, and was a member and president of the Country Critters 4-H club. She was second runner-up in the state FFA sweetheart contest, participated in quiz bowl, tractor, and recently took place in "kiss the duck".

She also participated in the Jac-Cen-Del Engineering Club where she flew radio controlled airplanes.

Samantha was a part of the technology program at the Southeastern Career Center where she had obtained first aid and CPR certification. She had been accepted to IUPUC for the fall of 2013 where she planned to study nursing.

Samantha was also a member of the First Southern Baptist Church at Versailles where she participated in the church choir. She was employed for the last two years with Gold Star Chili in Versailles.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Carter Corbrey officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at Versailles. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5-9 p.m. also at the Hopewell Baptist Church. Memorials may be given to the First Southern Baptist Church at Versailles in care of Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

Alreena Horton

Alreena Mae " Reenie" Horton, 83, of Milan passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. Alreena was born Sunday, April 14, 1929 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Cecil and Flossie (Vaughan) Rouse. She married Floyd Horton April 8, 2000 and he preceded her in death May 5, 2012.

Reenie had worked as a dental hygienist for Dr. Grider in Cincinnati. She attended the Milan First Baptist Church. Reenie was very active with home extension clubs in the area for many years. She was a member of the Golden Rule and Home Arts Clubs and served several terms as the county president and district representative.

Women all over the state will remember her as the beautiful white-haired lady who always was dressed to the hilt. She, along with a friend, created and organized an annual retreat for the women of the Madison District. This retreat was her legacy. One of the highlights of her year was to attend the Home & Family Conference at Purdue where she spoke on occasion and told her famous "panty hose" story. Those who heard it will laugh at the memory! She loved her grandchildren and from the time they were little, would have special tea parties for them. She was very particular with her landscaping in the summer and always had the most beautiful flowers.

She enjoyed being involved with gatherings of the Red Hat Society and was instrumental in the modeling of their clothing. Reenie also served several terms as secretary for the Hoosier Hills Regional Water District Board, was a judge for the Milan High School Homecoming King and Queen contests and had been a judge in various baby contests. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. Alreena enjoyed her family, gardening, flowers, birdwatching and crafts.

Alreena is survived by her sons: Todd (Pam) Yates of Milan, William (Monica) Yates of Cincinnati, Mark (Tracy) Nickulis of West Chester, Carl (Mary) Nickulis of Germantown, WI; step sons: Mike (Jennifer) Horton of Indianapolis, Tim (Sandy) Horton of Columbus, IN; step daughter: Tammy (Jim) Negangard of Milan, 17 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; siblings: Rose Shie, Ed Rouse, Gladys Glassmeyer and Nancy Wagner.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband; step daughter Linda Clift, two brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services were held Monday March 11 at Milan First Baptist Church with Pastor Harris Long officiating. Burial was in the Oakdale Cemetery, Dillsboro. Memorials may be made to Milan First Baptist Church. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan was entrusted with arrangements. Visit www.lawscarrmoore.com to sign the online guest book.

Ruth Ann Ruggles

Ruth Ann Ruggles, 73, of Milan, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2013 at her residence. Ruth Ann was born Tuesday, July 25, 1939 in Moores Hill, the daughter of Arvil Patrick (Pat) and Hazel Marie (Schornick) Molen. She married Ralph Ruggles on Saturday July 6, 1957, and he survives.

She had worked as a clerk in the auditor's office at the Ripley County courthouse in Versailles. Ruth Ann attended Pierceville United Methodist Church and enjoyed bowling, cooking, baseball, IU basketball, and spending time with her family.

Ruth Ann is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ralph; daughter, Debbie (husband Pat) Montoya of Simi Valley, CA; sons, Roger (wife Tricia) Ruggles of Mission Viejo, CA; Jason Ruggles of Fishers; brother, Ronald Molen of Clayton; grandchildren, Kyle and Jake Montoya, Greg and Haley Ruggles, Emma and Jase Ruggles. She was preceded in death by one sister Virginia (Pat) Busching.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, at Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home in Milan with Pastor Jack Bible officiating. Burial will follow in Craven Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday March 12 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Pierceville United Methodist Church through the funeral home. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan is entrusted with arrangements. You may go to www.lawscarrmoore.com to sign the online guest book or leave a condolence.

Frances Mae Shelton

Frances Mae Shelton, 83, of Dillsboro, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013 at Shady Nook Nursing Center following a long illness. Frances was born November 1, 1929 in Ohio County the daughter of William Oak and Myrtle Bailey Oak.

She graduated from Dillsboro High School in 1947. She was united in marriage on May 1, 1948 to Jesse "Junior" Shelton. Her husband was a well known builder in the Dillsboro area for many years, and passed away in 2008. After her children were out of school, Frances worked in retail sales for Dillsboro Drugs, the Gamble Store in Dillsboro and for 30 years was head of housekeeping at Dillsboro Manor.

Frances was active in the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron, a member of "Our Night Out" home economics club, and enjoyed playing cards. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing all her children's clothing, including hers. Frances and her late husband were the King and Queen for Dillsboro Homecoming Festival in 2003.

She was a lifetime member of Dillsboro United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Shelton, Jr. in 2008; two brothers and her parents.

She is survived by her six children; Kenny (Lee Ann) Shelton of Aurora, Don (Tami) Shelton of Dillsboro, Bill (Kelly) Shelton of Lawrenceburg, Linda (Mike) Kreinhop of Aurora; Sharon (Ken) Cleeter of Aurora and Sarah McClellan, of Aurora; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; one brother, Jack (Grace Ann) Oak and one sister, Kathryn Kliene Adams.

Funeral services for Frances will be Friday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Dillsboro United Methodist Church with Pastor Tom Fehrman officiating. Friends may meet her family at Dillsboro United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 14, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

She will be laid to rest at Oakdale Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Dillsboro United Methodist Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to DeVries Funeral Home in Dillsboro.

Gilbert G. Stamper

Gilbert G. Stamper, 75, of Batavia, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at the Atrium Medical Center in Franklin, Ohio. He was born at Lusby Mill in Owen County, Kentucky on December 22, 1937, the son of Hugh and Ruby Stephens Stamper.

Survivors include his companion Theresa Becker; one son, Michael (Debbie) Stamper of Jupiter, Florida; three daughters, Trina (Paul) Brandon of Versailles, Michelle Stamper and companion Gary Brunsman of Middletown, Ohio, and Angela Stamper of LaPorte, Texas; Theresa's children, Christina and Joshua; 17 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; three brothers, Hugh (Arbutus) Stamper of Louisville, Estel (Linda) Stamper of Sunman, and Daniel Stamper of Port Republic, Maryland; four sisters, Beulah (Gene) Sorrell of Carlisle, Ohio, Georgia (David) Phillips of Milan, and Ella (Glen) Walters and Glenna (Roger) Fassald, both of Sunman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Lloyd.

Mr. Stamper retired in 1998 after 44 years with Institutional Industries in Cincinnati. He was a member and past president of the Newport, Kentucky Eagles Lodge.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 9 at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with David Phillips officiating. Memorials may be given to the foundations of the Atrium Medical Center or Margaret Mary Community Hospital in care of the funeral home.

Dorothy C. Stegemiller

Dorothy C. Stegemiller, 88, of Sunman, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013. Mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, March 11, at St. Pius Catholic Church, Sunman with burial in the St. Pius Church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Pius Church or St. Pius Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at Cook Funeral Home, Sunman, was entrusted with arrangements.

Jerry A. Steiner

Jerry A. Steiner, 72, of Dillsboro, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at his home after a long illness. He was born in Aurora on October 11, 1940, the son of Floyd H. Steiner and Marthella May Bennett Steiner.

Jerry was employed as an owner-operator truck driver. He was a well-known mechanic in the Dillsboro and Aurora area, built model airplanes, and loved his classic cars and motorcycles.

He is survived by his wife, Bennie Mae (Pulis) Steiner, who he married in 1984; stepson, Gary William Carpenter; three stepdaughters, Tracy (Ron) Carpenter, Youvona (Greg) Clemens, and Mary Burton. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two brothers, Danny Steiner and Butch McAllister; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 11 at DeVries Funeral Home, Dillsboro. Memorials may be made to the family. DeVries Funeral Home, Dillsboro was in charge of arrangements.

Evelyn Lillian Stille

Evelyn Lillian Stille, 87, of Batesville, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2013. Funeral services were held Monday, March 11 at the Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville with burial in the St. John Church Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the St. John UCC in care of the funeral home. Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville, was entrusted with arrangements.

Carol Sporleder Stratton

Carol Sporleder Stratton, 77, of Holton, passed away Friday, March 8, 2013 at the Hospice of South Central Indiana at Columbus. She was born near Zenas in Jennings County on April 2, 1935, the daughter of Denver and Helen Ponsler Baldwin. She was married to Paul Sporleder on June 26, 1955 and he preceded her in death on October 21, 1981. She married Leslie Stratton, Sr. on February 12, 1983 and he preceded her in death on November 1, 2001.

Survivors include three sons, David (Mickey) Sporleder, Dwayne (Patty) Sporleder, and Donald (Robin) Sporleder all of North Vernon; stepchildren, Barbara (Chuck) Stevenson of Indianapolis, Sam (Jamie) Stratton of Lafayette, Leslie Jr. (Vernice) Stratton, and Mike (Janine) Stratton, both of Holton; 16 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; and one brother, Marvin (Mary Lou) Baldwin of Ft. Myers, Florida. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her son Daryl, and her grandsons Ryan Stevenson and Scott Stratton.

Mrs. Stratton was a 1953 graduate of North Vernon High School and attended Ball State University. She was a member of the Dabney Baptist Church where she served as church treasurer, Sunday school teacher, choir director, church pianist, and participated in the ABWM. She was a member of the Columbia Afternoon Extension Homemakers Club, a former member of the Zenas Baptist Church, and was currently serving as president of the Sandcreek Association ABWM.

In her spare time, Carol enjoyed her many grandchildren, her extended family, playing the accordion, and hosting weekly card parties.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. at the Dabney Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Cole and Rev. Chad Taylor officiating. Burial will be in the Westport Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9 a.m. until time of services Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Dabney Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.

Jacob Russell Vogel

Jacob Russell Vogel, 18, of Versailles, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2013 as the result of an automobile accident. He was born at Lawrenceburg on July 31, 1994, the son of Brian and Ann Sieverding Vogel.

Survivors include his parents; two brothers, Matthew Vogel who is serving with the US Marines, stationed at Camp Lejune, North Carolina, and Luke Vogel at home; one sister, Jessica Vogel also at home; paternal grandparents, Jerry and Joyce Vogel of Versailles; maternal grandparents, Henry and Thelma Sieverding of Farmers Retreat; aunts and uncles, Maria Sieverding and Teresa Meyer both of Dillsboro, Keith (Beth) Sieverding of Dewberry, Ben (Karen) Sieverding of Versailles, Mike Sieverding of Milhousen, Shanda (Andy) Beach of Holton, and Ruth (Mark) Kieffer of Friendship.

Jacob was a junior at South Ripley High School where he participated in the FFA and attended the Southeastern Career Center in emergency services. He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church at Milan and was a cadet with the Friendship Fire Department.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, March 12 at 1 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church with Father Frank Eckstein officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be given to the South Ripley FFA or the Friendship Fire Department in care of Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

March 5, 2013

Nora Y. (Ford) Bellows

Nora Y. Bellows, 89, of Elkhart, passed away Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital. She was born in Tanglewood on Dec. 20, 1923, to the late Porter and Edith (Conners) Ford. She married Frank C. Bellows on Sept. 5, 1943, in Madison. He passed away in Elkhart in 1996.

Also preceding her in death are a brother, James Ford; a half brother, Lewis Ford; and a half sister, Anna Mae Ford.

Surviving are her children, Joyce (Phil) Frampton, Linda (Donald "Ray") Heflin and Gary L. Bellows, all of Elkhart; sister Evelyn G. "Gertrude" Hall of Shelbyville; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and one great great grandson.

Nora was a 1942 graduate of New Marion High School. She had worked nearly ten years for Miles Laboratories in Elkhart and then went on to work another 20 years at Fountainview (now Golden Living Center) Nursing Home in Elkhart as a CNA. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loved watching IU's Hurryin' Hoosiers play basketball. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and reading a good book.

A celebration of Nora's life was held on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart.

In accordance with Nora's wishes she was to be cremated following the services and buried at a later date in Trout Creek Cemetery near Bristol.

Memorial donations may be given to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Harvey Earl Borgman

Harvey Earl Borgman, 89, of Napoleon, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 6 from 8:30-11 a.m. at Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville, with funeral services following. Burial will be in the St. Maurice Catholic Cemetery in Napoleon with military graveside services. Memorials may be given to the St. Maurice Church Building Fund, Napoleon Volunteer Fire Department, Hospice or the American Heart Association. Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville, is in charge of arrangements.

William L. "Bill" Bruegge

William L. "Bill" Bruegge, 88, of Versailles, passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2013. Funeral mass was held at St. Charles Catholic Church on Monday, March 4. Burial was in the St. Mary's Cemetery, St. Bernard, Ohio. Memorials may be made to the Veterans Assoc., Ripley County Humane Society, St. John or St. Charles Catholic Churches. Please call the funeral home at (812) 926-1450 and the family will be notified of your donation with a card. Rullman Hunger Funeral Home, Aurora, was in charge of arrangements.

Mark Wayne "Candy Man" Clark

Mark Wayne "Candy Man" Clark, 69, of Madison, passed away Friday, March 1, 2013. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 6, from 5-8 p.m. at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until time of service with burial at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, Madison. Memorials may be given to the Mark Clark Memorial Fund, contribution cards are available at the funeral home. Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison, is in charge of arrangements.

Rose M. Ickenroth

Rose M. Ickenroth, 60, of Dillsboro (formerly of Milan) passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 9, at 1 p.m. at Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan. Burial will follow in Mt. Sinai Cemetery. Visitation will also be Saturday, from 12-1 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan is entrusted with arrangements. Visit www.lawscarrmoore.com to sign the online guest book.

John Henry Kops

John Henry Kops, nearly 92, of Batesville, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 6 from 5-8 p.m. at Meyers Funeral home, Batesville. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Crossroads. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be given to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Phi Beta Psi Sorority for cancer research. Memorial checks can be mailed to Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville, who is entrusted with arrangements.

Mary G. (Timmons) Purdum

Mary G. (Timmons) Purdum, former longtime resident of Versailles and Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 in Naples, Florida after a short illness. She was born November 21, 1923 to J.W. Timmons and Mabel (Kube) Smith in Nasons, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her former husband William M. Purdum, both parents, plus parents Mary and Ernest Colvin; brothers, Warren Colvin, Robert Smith and sisters, Jean Amos, Lillian Lancaster, Virginia Timmons.

Survivors include brothers, Bill (Katy) Timmons, George (Catherine) Colvin; sisters, Anne Carter, Shirley Colvin, Betty Colvin (sister-in-law) of Virginia. She is also survived by daughter: Carol A. Purdum of Naples, Florida; son: David A. Purdum and daughter-in-law, Beth Whaley of Denver; son: Dr. W. Ronald Purdum and daughter-in-law, Barbara A. (Oliger) Purdum of St. Louis. She was the grandmother of Brittany and Brandon Purdum, and Erin Whaley and grandmother-in-law of Sarah Purdum of Denver; Timothy S. and grandmother-in-law of Denice Purdum of St. Louis; Daniel W. and grandmother-in-law of Amanda Purdum of St. Louis. She was the great grandmother of Tyler and Abby Purdum of St. Louis. Mary was also the aunt of brothers John (wife Mary Jo) Purdum of Wilmington, Ohio and Robert L. (Bob) (wife Arlene) Purdum of Holmes Beach, Florida.

A private memorial service is planned. Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer's Association-Vascular Dementia, the Arthritis Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

Stella E. Sawyers

Stella E. Sawyers, 92, of Moores Hill, passed away Thursday, February 28, 2013. Funeral services were held Monday, March 4, at South Sparta Church, south of Moores Hill. Burial was in the South Sparta Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Margaret Mary Hospice or Lifetime Resources. Sibbett-Moore Funeral Home, Moores Hill was entrusted with arrangements. Visit www.sibbettmoore.com to sign the online guest book.