Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home

11/18/2025

Ollie Brunner, 98, of Versailles passed away at 10:30p.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025 at her residence. She was born in the Malotte community in Shelby Township on June 14, 1927, the daughter of Samuel and Alice Mae Adams Perkins. She was married to Norman Brunner on March 15, 1947 and he preceded her in death on July 7, 1992. Other survivors include three sons Steven of Versailles, Jerry (Glenda) of Nashville, IN, and Tom (Rae Jean) of Versailles; one daughter Kathleen Manders of Westfield, IN; 8 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Ernie Lee, her brother Samuel Perkins, and her sisters Hannah Gearies, Naomi Adams, and Mary Gay Perkins. Mrs. Brunner was a 1945 graduate of Howell High School in Indianapolis, and a retired employee of US Shoe in Osgood. She enjoyed writing poetry, loved baking homemade bread, and growing the best watermelons and strawberries in the area. Ollie was the proudest of a book she published call “Burn Old House Burn” based on her growing up during the Depression. She was a member of Cave Hill Community Church. Funeral service will be Friday at 12:00pm, November 21, 2025 at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with Pastor Keith Morris officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery. Visitation will also be on Friday beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials may be given to the Benham Cemetery or St. Judes Children’s Hospital in care of the funeral home.

11/16/2025

Thomas “Tom” Churchill, 87, of Madison passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at his home. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 28, 1937, the son of Benjamin and Mollie Etral. He was married to Pamela Hays Churchill on November 7, 1994 and she survives. Other survivors include three sons Thomas Jr. (Eilleen), Randy (Chris) and Brian (Erika) Churchill all of Michigan; one daughter Theresa (Mark) Ward of Ohio; one step-son Robert Sheppard of Madison and one step-daughter Jamie Marie (Shawn) Vachet of Osgood. Mr. Churchill worked as a handyman doing odd jobs for companies. Tom was very much involved and loved messing with CB Radios. His wishes were to be cremated and there will be no services. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

11/14/2025

Richard D. Seeley, 75, of Holton passed away Friday, November 14, 2025 at his home. He was born in Honesdale, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1950, the son of Lawrence and Elizabeth Bidwell Seeley. He was married to Deborah Hodge and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Richard Jr. (Susan) Seeley and Joe Seeley both of North Vernon; two step-sons Jason (Christy) Hawthorne of Florida and Nolan (Tammy) Hawthorne of North Vernon; two sisters Judy Dunn of Lake Lady, Florida and Panzy Taylor of Horntown, Virginia. Mr. Seeley worked as a mechanic for G & G in Morgantown and also at Batesville Goodyear. His wishes were to be cremated and there will be no services. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

11/14/2025

Don Newhart, Sr., 89, of Osgood passed away at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born in Batesville on September 13, 1936, the son of Chester and Freda Acra Newhart. He was married to Amelia Tunny on October 29, 1958 and his wife of 67 years survives. Other survivors include three sons Don (Teresa) Newhart, Jr., Jeff (Rosemary) Newhart, and John (Dana) Newhart all of Osgood; one daughter Yvonne (Jim) Rose of Batesville; son-in-law Darin Toops of Osgood; 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; one brother Chris (Sue) Newhart of Greensburg; two sisters Penny Brinson of Versailles and Dee (Roger) Abplanalp of Osgood. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Samantha Toops, his grandson Edward Allen Newhart, and an infant brother and sister. Mr. Newhart was a lifelong farmer and was especially proud to have his family farm receive the Hoosier Homestead Award in 2001. He was best known in the community for owning and operating Newhart Water Hauling and for being a Jac-Cen-Del school bus driver for 37 years. He enjoyed fishing and still board shooting and in his younger years drag racing with his 57 Chevy at Edgewater. Don was a lifelong member of the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood and served with the Indiana National Guard for five years, later serving with their Reserve Unit. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 17 at 10 a.m. at the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood with Father Binu Mathew officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rosary services at 3:30 p.m. Memorials may be given to the St. John Building Fund in care of the funeral home.

11/11/2025

11/10/2025

Freddy Rose, 78, of Osgood passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025 at his home. He was born near Versailles on July 6, 1947, the son of Otto and Luella Lane Rose. Survivors include two sons Bobby Lee(Andrea) Rose of Michigan and Jimmy Rose of Greensburg; two daughters Tina Owens of Osgood and Cynthia (Hugh) Laughlin of Waxhaw, North Carolina; 7 grandchildren; two sisters Dorothy and Mary. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Jeremy Varnes, brothers Raymond, Carl, Alvin, and Harold and his sisters Geneva, Lola, and Helen. Mr. Rose attended school at Versailles and served with the US Army from 1966 to 1967. In civilian life Freddy worked as a mechanic for Shirk’s International in Greensburg. Freddy was a member of the Osgood American Legion. His wishes were to be cremated and burial will take place at a later date at the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

11/10/2025

George Poling Funeral Service

11/06/2025

George Poling, 85, of Versailles passed away at 12:20 a.m., Thursday, November 6, 2025 at the Manderley Health Care in Osgood with his daughters by his side. He was born in Madison on June 19, 1940, the son of Ray and Darlene Hayes Poling. He was married to Janet Tingle on December 28, 1962 and she preceded him in death on May 8, 1993. George married Anne Fleck on June 30, 1995 and she survives. Other survivors include two daughters Tammy Tankersley of Vevay and Tonya (Patrick) Hill of Corpus Cristi, Texas; grandchildren Devin (Kathe) Tankersley of Vevay, Hope Tankersley of Vevay, Jordan Begley of Cincinnati, Marcus Begley of Shreveport, LA, Brandon (Jennifer) Tankersley, Marissa and Bryce all of Scottsburg and two great-grandchildren Raelynn and Raiden Tankersley, two sisters Belvadine Strimple and Jean Grills both of Versailles, two brothers Dave (Diana) Poling of Madison and Carroll (Elaine) Poling of Canaan. He was also preceded in death by his parents, sons, Tommy and Tim, sister Joanne Jones, brothers- in- law Mutt Strimple, Grover Jones, Walter Grills, Bill Fleck and Glaze Gibson. Mr. Poling was a 1959 graduate of Central High School in Madison and was a 30-year employee of Cummins. He was quite the athlete playing basketball and baseball in high school. He continued his pitching in men’s softball league where the Poling brothers made quite an impact on the field. George enjoyed watching the Colts, Reds, Pacers, IU men’s and women’s basketball, IU football as well as playing golf, cards, hunting and fishing. George was a member of the Brushy Fork Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 10 at 11 a.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Cantrell of the Versailles Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Bill Fleck Legacy Endowment (Anne’s Brother), Versailles Baptist Church or St. John Catholic Church in care of the funeral home.

11/03/2025

Terry Ann Wissing, 71, of Versailles passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2025 at the University of Cincinnati Hospital. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 24, 1954, the daughter of John and Theresa Schmitt Hollenbach. She was married to Thomas Wissing on September 13, 1986 in Mount Healthy, Ohio and her husband of 39 years survives. Other survivors include one daughter Tracy (Sam) Huxell of Addyston, Ohio and a step-son Thomas (Kady) Wissing of Ross, Ohio; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; one sister Pat Holt of Harrison, Ohio and one brother Dan Hollenbach of Groesbeck, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings. Mrs. Wissing graduated in 1972 from McCauley High School. Her working career spanned many years with employment in the accounting department for Sure Seal Gaskets. Terry’s wishes were to cremated and a celebration of her 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.

10/31/2025

Walter Renfro, Jr., 85, of Holton passed away at 1 p.m., Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born in Holton on September 12, 1940, the son of Walter Sr. and Mayme Sizemore Renfro. He was married to Linda Davis on July 30, 2001 and she survives. Other survivors include two daughters Melinda Swinney of Versailles and Kim (Greg) Evans of Osgood; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one step-daughter Bridget (David) Munn of Ellenboro, North Carolina; one step-son Chris (Monica) Wolfe of Villa Hills, Kentucky; three sisters Myrtle Moberly of Holton, Donna (David) Hamilton of Rexville, and Joyce (Keith) Scott of New Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Fred Renfro. Mr. Renfro was a 1958 graduate of Holton High School and was a lifelong farmer as well as an independent truck driver. He enjoyed tending to his farm and working on his tractor and was especially proud of his FBI (Firm Believer in Jesus) hat. Walter was a member of the Kent Christian Church. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 5 at 12 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with Bro. Brian Schulz of the Kent Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Visitation will also be on Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials may be given to the Kent Christian Church or the Holton Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

10/31/2025

Long time county official Ginger J. Bradford of Versailles passed away at 2 p.m., Thursday, October 30 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born in Batesville on November 4, 1951, the daughter of Cecil and Mildred Brown Baugh. She was married to Bill Bradford on October 14, 1972 and her husband of 53 years survives. Other survivors include two sons Chris Bradford of Buck Creek and Chad (Christa) Bradford of Brownsburg; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters; three sisters Gia Gay (Vern) Spoor of Worthington, Sonja (Bert) Samples of Rexville, and Shawna (Rick) Bushhorn of Osgood; one brother Lester (Ellen) Baugh of Seymour, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson Brolan. Mrs. Bradford attended school at Holton and was a 1971 graduate of South Ripley High School. She served various positions in Ripley County over the span of 32 years including a term as deputy assessor and was elected to four terms as Ripley County Clerk and two terms as Ripley County Recorder. Ginger also served as Ripley County Republican Chairperson for 12 years as well as serving on the Indiana Republican Central Committee. December 21, 2022 was proclaimed as “Ginger Bradford Day” throughout the state of Indiana by State Representative Randy Frye and Ginger was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Eric Holcomb and an American flag was flown at the Indiana State House. Ginger was a 40year member of the Tyson Methodist Church in Versailles where she had served as custodian. She was also a member of the Ripley County Republican Women’s Club. One of her favorite hobbies was decorating for weddings. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 4 at 11 a.m. at the Tyson Methodist Church with Rev. Gwen Durkee officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10 a.m. until time of services Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Tyson Methodist Church’s Back Door Friends in care of the funeral home.

10/30/2025

Barbara L. Geisler, 84, of Rexville passed away at 1:45 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. She was born in Madison on February 11, 1941, the daughter of Ralph and Margaret Wainscott Gaines. She was married to Elvan Geisler on January 8, 1961 and her husband of 64 years survives. Other survivors include two sons Kevin (Michelle) Geisler of Madison and Kris (Pam) Geisler of North Vernon; one daughter Karen (Jerry) Lucas of North Vernon; 14 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; one brother Mike (Bobbi) Gaines of Fishers; three sisters Penny Henry of Madison, Ruth Ann (Lowell) Shirey of Franklin, and Marie (Raymond) Gilpin of North Vernon; brother-in-law Dennis (Teresa) Seale of Hope; sister-in-law Donna Gaines of North Vernon. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Kenny, granddaughter Deborah Sturgill, her brother Ronnie Gaines, her sister Joyce Seale, and her brother-in-law Larry Henry. Mrs. Geisler was a 1960 graduate of Madison Shawe High School. Her working career spanned many years with employment as a telephone operator in Madison, child care for OVO in Madison, working as a secretary for Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Madison, and as a CNA for the Silver Bell Nursing Home near Versailles. Barbara enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, and crocheting, but her biggest joy in life was her family. Barbara had also served as a girl scout leader in Madison and she was a member of the Liberty Christian Church near Madison. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 3 at 11 a.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Randy Thieman officiating. Burial will be in the Indiana Veteran Cemetery in Madison. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorials may be given to Huntington’s Disease Research or the Westfork Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.