The Versailles Republican Obituaries

PAGE UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING JUNE 29, 2017 11 A.M.

Byron “Barney” Sweinfort Brandt

Byron “Barney” Sweinfort Brandt, passed away Friday, June 23, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born June 6, 1930 in Osgood.

Byron served his country as an Airman from the age of 18 in both Korean and Vietnam wars, with tours stateside and abroad in the Philippines, France, and Germany. Byron retired as Master Sargent in 1976 and became a member of Masonic Lodge 8, Valley Hi Lodge, The Texas Stamp Dealer’s Association and The American Philatelic Society.

A faithful patriarch, Byron is survived by his daughters Carol, Cheryl & husband Craig Blackmon, Cora & husband Archie Rhines, son Charles & wife Suzanne; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren, with various nephews and nieces. Byron will be honored by friends and loved ones at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 30 at Porter Loring on McCullough in San Antonio, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Wounded Warriors Project or Shriners Hospital for Children. You may sign the online guestbook at www.porterloring.com. Porter Loring Mortuary, San Antonio, Texas, is in charge of arrangements.

Vickie Louise Triplett

Vickie Louise Triplett, age 74, of Osgood, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born July 17, 1942, to the late Earl Gordon and Louise Rogers Triplett.

For those who knew Vickie, they all realize just how unique, eccentric and caring of an individual she was! She had a huge generous, loving heart … she was known for anonymously sending flowers to her many friends and acquaintances. She also financially supported many charitable causes and also was known for supporting those who may be in need. She wanted no recognition or public acknowledgment for her good deeds. Vickie had received multiple degrees in Library Sciences, International Relations and South Pacific Studies. She had attended Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio, the American University in Washington, D.C., the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and the University of Hawaii. She worked in the University of Hawaii library department doing research. She was a member of the Osgood United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her brother, Tom (Sue) Triplett of Denver, Colorado; two nieces, Natalie (Patrick) Love and Jennifer Triplett all of Denver; two great nieces, Helen and Caroline Love also survive in Denver.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, June 30 at 10 a.m. at Neal’s Funeral Home with doors opening at 9 a.m. Memorial donations may go to the Osgood United Methodist Church c/o the funeral home. Neal’s Funeral Home, Osgood, is entrusted with arrangements.

Eva May Kelly

Eva May Kelly, 102, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2017. She was born July 12, 1914 in St. Leon, Indiana, daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Berg) Kelly.

Eva was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Cincinnati where she often volunteered. She was raised in Lawrenceville, Indiana. She was baptized in St. Leon, Indiana. She was active with the Clifton Center’s Hill Toppers, volunteered for the Red Cross and the Cincinnati Zoo, and she loved to travel. She worked as a Seamstress at Beau Brummell in Cincinnati, Ohio.

She is survived by her niece, Ruth Kleine; two great nieces, Carol (Mike) Purcell, Donna (Chip) Brown; four great nephews, Greg (Judi) Kleine, David Schwegmann, Gary Schwegmann, Jim (Annette) Schwegmann; and numerous great great nieces and great great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Kelly; two sisters, Gladys (Clarence) Woliung, Mabel (Jake) Schantz; nephew, Robert Woliung, niece, Esther Schwegmann, and nephew, Robert Schantz.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Saint John Lutheran Church Hubbells Corner with funeral services immediately following with Pastor Fred Cook officiating. Interment will follow in the St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery- Hubbells Corner, Sunman. Contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Cincinnati or Evangelical Union Cemetery Hubbells Corner. www.fitchdenney.com

Cindy Lee “Bear” Harbit

Cindy Lee “Bear” Harbit, 58, of Versailles, passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2017. She was born on December 19, 1958 to the late Robert and Willa Swafford. Cindy grew up in Lawrence.

She is survived by her: daughters, Tashia Long of Versailles and Jody Ferge of Ingalls; siblings, Kathleen “Kat” Walker of Greencastle, Peggy “Yo-Yo” Richards of Milan, Robbin “Blondie” Swafford of Holton, and Robert L. “Buddy” Swafford of Versailles; six grandchildren, Summer Mills, Kage Christianson, Chloe Christianson, Carley Ferge, Katelyn Ferge, and Donny Ferge; and longtime companion, Michael McGuire. Cindy is preceded in death by her: brother, Richard “Frog” Swafford, along with her parents mentioned above.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements provided by Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services – Lawrence.

John Todd Jung

John Todd Jung, age 56, of Batesville, passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2017. A celebration of Todd’s life will be Thursday, June 29 from 4-7 p.m. at Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville. Immediately following, there will be a gathering for family and friends at the Batesville Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1130, 104 W. Pearl St., Batesville.

Frank Arney

Frank Arney, 67, of Versailles, passed away at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at his home. He was born at Batesville on March 21, 1950, the son of Burgess and Marie Gentile Arney.

Survivors include his sister Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim Arney, and his sister Marcia.

Mr. Arney was a 1968 graduate of South Ripley High School and was employed with his father in the operation of Versailles Dunbrik. Frank served in the US Army from May of 1970 to November of 1971. He was a member of the Versailles American Legion and the Versailles Masonic Lodge.

Frank’s wishes were to be cremated and interment will follow in the Indiana Veterans Cemetery at Madison. Arrangements were handled by the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.