The Versailles Republican Obituaries

UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING MARCH 8, 2018 4 P.M.

Robert B. Schmaltz

(June 15, 1938 - March 6, 2018)
Robert B. Schmaltz, 79, of Madisonville, KY passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Baptist Health Madisonville. He was born on June 15, 1938 in Milan, IN to the late, Olive Schmaltz and Clarence Schmaltz. Robert was a United States Army Veteran and was formerly a self employed carpenter and barber. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Lana Faye Schmaltz; son, Robert Michael Schmaltz; brothers, Bill Schmaltz, Ralph Schmaltz and Barry Schmaltz; and sister, Shirley Summers.

Survivors include his daughters, Michelle Downs, Kim Dame and Page Schmaltz all of Madisonville; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018 at Bethlehem Cemetery 95 Central City Rd. Madisonville with Dr. Bob Morrison officiating. Harris Funeral Home in Madisonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family at www.harrisfuneralinc.com.

Maxine Foster

Maxine Foster, 89, of Cape Coral, Florida, formerly of Holton passed away Saturday evening, March 3, 2018 at the Hope Hospice in Cape Coral. She was born in Cincinnati on May 12, 1928, the daughter of William Eb and Lou Burton Foster.

Survivors include several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Samuel Foster and William A. Foster, and her sisters Alma Kennedy, Pearlie Allee, Hattie Cowan, and Annie Burton. Maxine attended the Kentucky School for the Deaf in Danville. She learned sign language and was able to communicate with her friends and family, turning her handicap into her greatest asset. She was an avid follower of the Cincinnati Reds and watched every game she could. Maxine was a member of the Bridgetown Church of Christ.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 10 at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with graveside rites following at 11a.m. at the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery or the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

Beatrice Ellen (Haggard) May

Beatrice Ellen (Haggard) May, age 82, of Milan, passed away early Tuesday March 6, 2018 surrounded by her family. She was born on August 21, 1935 the daughter of the late Levi and Lena (Hatfield) Haggard in Liberty, Kentucky. She grew up in Kentucky along with her brothers and sisters before moving to Columbus, Indiana.

After school she left home and went to work at 1st National Bank of Cincinnati. She met Harold May and they were united in marriage on January 16, 1960 in Covington, Kentucky. They were blessed with four daughters and they moved to Indiana to raise their family. “Her battle with cancer is now over, no more tears flowing down her cheek, no more pain, no more suffering, she is no longer weak.” Bea was described by her family as witty, fun loving, hilarious, young at heart, caring, spunky, and loving. This God-fearing woman went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours. “Gunny” as known by some of her grandchildren was an amazing person; blunt, in your face, opinionated, scatter brained…. But she always loved unconditionally, WITHOUT judgement, always meant well, gave TOUGH love, and worked hard as a FULLTIME housewife, loved ALL her grandkids and great-grandkids with ALL she had.

She will be deeply missed by her daughters Tina (Glen) Hobbs of Shelbyville, Bonnie (John) Earle of Virginia, and Becky (Jeff) Eaton of Napoleon, along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold, and daughter Denise.

Visitation will be held on Saturday March 10, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood with funeral services being held at 1 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mud Pike Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Mud Pike Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

Robert B. Underwood

Robert B. Underwood, 93, of Versailles passed away at 11:25 a.m., Monday, March 5, 2018 at the King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison. He was born at Correct on January 1, 1925 on the farm where he spent his entire life, the son of Clarence and Beulah Warfield Underwood. He was married to Marjorie R. Heath on June 27, 1948 and his wife of 69 years survives. Other survivors include two daughters Susan (Danny Jackson) Underwood, and Sally (Greg) Griffin both of Versailles; one son Steven (Natalie German) Underwood of Correct. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister and brother-in-law Norma Lee and Bill Hill.

Bob was a 1943 graduate of Versailles High School. He was an Army veteran of WWII, serving from September 1944 to June of 1946. Bob rose to the rank of Corporal and served with the 276th Infantry Division in the Rhineland and Central Europe. For service to his country Bob received the European American Theatre Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the Army Occupation of Germany Medal. After the war Bob attended Hanover College and later started his own bulk milk hauling business. He then operated Geisler/Underwood Trucking with his lifelong friend Gayle Geisler and was also a transport semi-truck driver for Reynolds/Empire Gas in Osgood. Bob also farmed with his son Steven, retiring well after his 87th birthday. Bob was a 65 year member of the Tyson United Methodist Church, a 67 year member of the Versailles Lions Club, and a life member of the Versailles American Legion.

Funeral services will be held on today, March 8 at 11 a.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be given to the Versailles Lions Club or the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.