Funeral services set for Esther Demaree

 Funeral services are set for 11:30 a.m. today, August 3 at the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home, Versailles, for Esther A. Pierce Demaree, 89. She passed away July 30, 2010, in Miamisburg, Ohio, with her family at her side. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service that will be officiated by Dale Day. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Gardens, Madison.

Mrs. Demaree lived in the Rexville community for the majority of her life, but had resided for the past two and a half years in Ohio, to be near her son, Gene.

Born April 8, 1921 at Peoria, Illinois, she was the daughter of James and Cora (Bassett) Pierce who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Demaree on August 8, 1991, and one daughter, Lila Leigh Demaree Samples on April 27, 1986. A brother, James Pierce, and two sisters, Anna Pierce Bunch and Arliss Pierce Jones, preceded her in death.

Esther and Charles Demaree were married December 6, 1937 in North Vernon. They lived at their rural residence in the Rexville community for over 62 years where she was a homemaker. She was a member of the Eastern Star Chapter 530, Madison, for over 50 years.

Survivors include one son, Gene Demaree and wife, Jo Jean Demaree, of Centerville, Ohio, owners of the Ripley Publishing Company, Versailles. Also included are two granddaughters, Dara Demaree and husband, Kris Fraggos of Springboro, OH, and Brandy and husband, Brian Vianello of Mariemont, OH. Two grandsons survive: Ronald and wife, Patty Samples of Indian Springs, OH, and Gregory and wife, Charlene Samples of Hamilton, OH. Six grandchildren survive: Talon Vianello, Demaree Vianello, Sarah Samples, Rebekah Samples, James and wife, Trina Samples, and Justin Samples. One brother Earl and wife, Jacqueline Pierce of Chillicothe, IL, survive, along with several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, or West Fork Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.
Esther Demaree