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December 25, 2012

Sheila F. Bliton Morris

Sheila F. Bliton Morris, 67, of Madison, passed away Tues., Dec. 18, 2012 at Jewish Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky. She was born Sept. 23, 1945 in Madison the daughter of Faye Wesley "Dude" and Dorothy L. Pelsor Bliton.

She married Gary Morris on Dec. 3, 1966 in Madison and he survives.

Other survivors include son, Rodney Morris and wife Rae Jean of Madison; daughter, Michelle Myers of Columbus; five grandchildren, Megan Morris, Jackson Morris, Nicole Marshall, Taylor Marshall and Eric Myers; sister, Barbara Lock of Vevay; cousins, Rita Atkins of Detroit, Michigan, Buddy Pelsor of Lexington, Kentucky, Norman Knudson of Holton, Delbert Knudson of Holton; sisters-in-law, Norma Faye Bliton of Madison and Pat Rolf and her husband James of Osgood; aunt, Violet Pelsor of Charlestown and several other relatives.

Her parents; brothers, Garnett O. Bliton and Daniel Bliton; niece, Dottie Sue Bliton and nephew, James Daniel Bliton preceded her in death.

Mrs. Morris was a 1963 graduate of Madison Consolidated High School and later attended secretarial school in Napoleon. She sold Avon for many years and was a homemaker to her family. She was a member of the Home Economic Club in Columbus and a den mother for the Cub Scouts.

Funeral services were held Sat., Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. at Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison with burial in the Fairmount Cemetery in Madison.

Memorials may be made to the Jefferson County Animal Shelter through the funeral home.

Lula White

Lula White, 70, of Osgood passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. She was born near Rexville on April 18, 1942, the daughter of Carl and Louise Housefield Farrell. She was married to Arthur White and he preceded her in death on December 21, 1999.

Survivors include one son Billy Pettit of Versailles; grandchildren Alicia (Joseph) Benham of Benham and Zachary Smith of Friendship; two sisters, Naomi Hubbard of Osgood and Viola Cappel of Louisville; four brothers, Donald Farrell and John Farrell, both of Rexville, David Farrell of Cross Plains, and Richard Farrell of Versailles.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Goldina Sylvia Brock, and her brothers Henry, Jim, and Chester Farrell.

Mrs. White was a former employee of Ohio Rod in Versailles and once was the official pie baker for the Colonial Cottage restaurant in Versailles. Lula was a member of the Cedar Creek Community Church near Osgood.

Funeral services were held Saturday, December 22, at 11 a.m. at the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Garland Rudd officiating. Burial was in the Shelby Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the donor's choice.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home, Versailles was entrusted with the arrangements.

December 18, 2012

Betty S. Jackson Ballard

Betty S. Jackson Ballard, 81, of Dillsboro, passed away Saturday morning, December 15, 2012 at Dearborn County Hospital. She was born December 30, 1931 in Lynch, Kentucky, the daughter of Raymond D. Tomlinson and Pearl Fletcher Tomlinson.

 Betty graduated from Lynch High School in 1950. She was married to Melvin Russell Jackson on January 7, 1955, and was employed as a gauger at Thatcher Glass Company for 44 years. On August 29, 1977 her husband, Melvin Russell passed away.

Betty was a member of the Eastern Star for many years, liked to do puzzles, and absolutely adored her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Randy and Deborah Jackson, Ron and Jerri Jackson, and Jimmy and Tina Jackson, all of Dillsboro; five grandchildren: Ronald Derek Jackson, Shelby Nicole Jackson, Michaela Alexis Jackson, Luke Russell Jackson and Trevor Dale Jackson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Melvin R. Jackson; her son, Ricky Wayne Jackson; grandson, Travis Wayne Jackson; four sisters, Bernice Fields, Helen Landis, Wanita Hail, and Margie Landrum; and her brother, Raymond D. Tomlinson, Jr.

Funeral services for Betty will be Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. at the DeVries Funeral Home in Dillsboro with Pastor Roger Dean officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakdale Cemetery in Dillsboro. The family suggests memorials to be given to the Dillsboro Emergency Unit. DeVries Funeral Home, Dillsboro, is entrusted with arrangements.

Walter Richard Effinger

Walter Richard Effinger, 70, of Rexville, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2012 at King's Daughters' Hospital in Madison. He was born on February 18, 1942, the son of Hugo Fredrick and Hilda Clara Gigerich Effinger.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly L. Payne Effinger of Madison; two daughters, Angie (Jack) Hartwell of Dupont, Dara (Josh) Adams of Madison; son, Bryan (Stephanie) Copeland of Madison; seven grandchildren: Stephen, Cody and Seth Hartwell, Tiersa and Izayah Adams, Bryson and Brody Copeland; brother, William Lawrence (Margaret) Effinger of Madison; two sisters, Ruth Ann (William) Herald of Austin, and Mary Jane (Jerry) Hunter of Rexville; uncle and aunt, Art and Eileen Kieffer of New Marion; his mother-in-law, Mary Lanham Payne of Lexington; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary Geraldine and Paul Everman of Versailles, James Lloyd and Charlene Payne of North Vernon, Cecilia LaVonne and George Means of Lexington, Kathleen "Kathy" Louise Campbell of Madison, Richard Allen Payne of Madison; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Richard resided all of his life in Ripley County and was a graduate of New Marion High School where he was valedictorian. He had attended many trade schools to further his knowledge in his career. He was inducted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was wounded. He was honorably discharged.

Richard retired after 43 years of service with the Reliance Electric Corporation in Madison as a metrologist. Early in Richard's life he enjoyed helping Alva and Margie Vestal with their farming operation. He was a faithful member of the St. Magdalen Catholic Church in New Marion. He also held membership in the Versailles American Legion Leora Weare Post 173 and the Madison VFW Post 1969. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, working in his yard, flowers, his family, watching Andy Griffith and Everybody Loves Raymond.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 19 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Chapel, Madison, with Father Shaun Whittington and Father Frank Eckstein officiating. Burial will be in the St. Magdalen Cemetery in Madison. Visitation will Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison. The Rosary service will be prayed on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Full military honors will be conducted at the graveside by the Jefferson Post 9 of the American Legion.

The family requests memorials to the St. Magdalen Cemetery, contribution cards are available at the funeral home. Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison, is in charge of arrangements.

Donald E. Kaiser

Donald E. Kaiser "Wood Butcher", 80, of Lawrenceburg, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2012 in Cincinnati, OH. He was born in Dearborn County on April 30, 1932 to Albert and Ida (Holzbacher) Kaiser.

Donald was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church (Bellaire) by Pastor A.W. Borchardt. He graduated from Aurora High School in 1950 and served in the Army 1954-1956. Don worked at Dearborn Farm Bureau Co-op at Aurora 1956-1960.

On July 15, 1961, he was married to Elverda Westmeier and was blessed with a daughter, Teresa Kay.

Don (nickname: Ivan) was employed at Monsanto Company, Addyston, Ohio for thirty years.  He also took care of the family farm until 1990.

Don was very active at St. Johns as he served on committees and church council. In his retirement he liked to work with wood, as he made items for his church and gifts for his friends.

Don had a good life, his pride and joy was his family.

Survivors include his wife, Elverda of 51 plus years; daughter, Teresa Martini and son-in-law Patrick Martini; sister-in-law Lorene Westmeier; and many cousins, friends and church family.

He was preceded in death by a brother; Dallas Albert and sister; Eli Jean.

Friends will be received 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, December 19, at St. John Lutheran Church of Bellaire in Lawrenceburg. Services will be held at the church on Thursday, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Richard Schroeder officiating. A short visitation from 10-11 a.m. will be held before the funeral service.

Interment will follow in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. Military graveside services will be conducted by members of local veterans service organizations. Contributions may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church Building Fund or St. John Cemetery Association. Please call the office at (812) 926-1450 and we will notify the family of your donation with a card. Rullman Hunger Funeral Home, is entrusted with arrangements.

Geneva "Nanny" King

Geneva "Nanny" King, 94, of Sunman, passed away Friday, December 14, 2012. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 18, at Cook Funeral Home, in Sunman, with the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m.  Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Sunman. Memorial donations may be directed to Sunman Life Squad. Cook Funeral Home, Sunman, is entrusted with arrangements.

Richard Malloni, Sr.

Richard Malloni, Sr., 79, of Sunman, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2012. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Sunman. Pastor Duane Loos will officiate the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to Hospice of Dearborn County Hospital and Cook Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses. Cook Funeral Home, is entrusted with arrangements.

William Raney

William Raney, 89, of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee passed away Friday, December 14, 2012 at his home. He was born near Versailles on February 19, 1923 the son of Hershel and Edith Black Raney. He was married to Willie Marie Bray on July 5, 1947 and she survives.

Other survivors include two daughters, Ann (Charles) Gaddie of Hanover and Jan Lawson of Custer, Kentucky; grandchildren, Richard Wykoff of Scottsburg, Jesse (Michelle) Lawson of Chelsea, Angie (Kyle) Pelsor of Indianapolis, and Katy (Stephen) Gray of Elizabeth; one brother, Ray Raney of Versailles. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marianna Hyatt.

Mr. Raney was a 1941 graduate of Versailles High School and was a Navy veteran of WWII. He was a Civil Engineer and worked in the construction of the Indiana-Kentucky Electric Corporation plant in Madison. At the end of construction he transferred to the operation of the plant as a trainee and became Assistant Shift Engineer. He retired in 1985 after 33 years and spent the last two years there as Assistant Personnel Director and Plant Training Coordinator.

Bill was a member of the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church, the Versailles Masonic Lodge, Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite, and was a 67 year member of the Versailles American Legion.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 19 at 10 a.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Following Masonic services at 11 a.m. at the funeral home graveside rites will be held at the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles with Rev. Troy Hedges officiating. Military graveside rites will be presented by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be given to the Versailles Masonic Lodge or the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

December 11, 2012

Daniel E. Fenske

Daniel E. Fenske, 58, of Batesville, passed away Friday, December 7, 2012. Funeral services were held Monday, December 10 at St. Louis Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Gibault School for Boys or cancer research. Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville, was in charge of arrangements.

Pauline Haney

Pauline Haney, 71, of Milan, passed away Friday, December 7, 2012 at Margaret Mary Hospital at Batesville. Pauline was born Saturday, February 22, 1941 in Whitesburg, Kentucky, the daughter of Clayton and Lila Mae (Cornett) Combs. She married Melvin Haney who preceded her in death in 2001.

Pauline was a housewife and caregiver to her older sister, and enjoyed time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed going to Florida and walking on the beach and looking for seashells. She was a partner in Ma Ma's Pizza in Osgood.

Pauline is survived by son Wade (Sharon) Haney of Harrison, Ohio; daughters Jennifer Haney and Jackie (Anthony) Holt both of Milan; brothers Jack and Donald Combs both of Florida; Charles Combs of Sunman; Larry Combs of Milan; Darrell Combs of Aurora and Tommy Combs of West Virginia; sisters Glyndora Combs of Milan; Norma Goodpaster of Florida; Eunice Derringer of Sunman and Sharon Combs of Milan, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death her parents, daughter Lisa Marie Haney, one granddaughter Shelby Holman and brother Robert Combs.

Funeral services were held Sunday, December 9, at Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan with Pastor Tom Holt officiating. Burial followed in New Craven Cemetery at Milan. Memorials may be made to Hope Baptist Church through the funeral home. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements. Go to www.laws-carrmoore.com to sign the online register book.

Gerald Wayne Imel

Gerald Wayne Imel, 72, of Madison, passed away Friday, December 7, 2012. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 11 at 11 a.m. at Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison, with burial in the Caledonia Cemetery, near Moorefield. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of services Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Caledonia Cemetery, contribution cards are available at the funeral home. Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison, is in charge of arrangements.

Frank J. Meadows

Frank J. Meadows, 82, of Hanover, passed away Saturday, December 8, 2012. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 12 at 11 a.m. at Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Hanover Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the American Kidney Foundationor Amedysis Hospice, contributions cards are available at the funeral home. Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison, is in charge of arrangements.

Paul "Steven" Ryan

Paul Steven Ryan, 60, of Aurora, passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at his home following a long illness. Steve was born May 31, 1952 in Batesville, the son of Paul Ryan and Hazel (Strunk) Ryan.

Steve graduated from Milan High School with the class of 1970, and worked as a carpenter with the local union. Steve was a good carpenter, and loved doing trim work. He served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict in Germany. Steve enjoyed the outdoors, and fishing in farm ponds around the area. He never met a stranger, and would take plates of food to needy people all the time.

In 1998 he married Cindy (Watts) and they had a wonderful marriage together.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, David and Jim Ryan and Allen Stoneking; and one nephew, Timm Ryan.

Survivors include his loving wife, Cindy; four brothers, Donald and Joe Ryan, both of Milan, Jerry Ryan of Manchester and Mike Ryan of Fairfield, OH; one sister, Kim (Kenneth) Goodpaster, of Aurora; special stepgrandchildren, Karisa Binz, Shaun, Dawson, and Chance Vilardo; and his stepson, Shaun Vilardo.

Funeral services were held Monday, December 10 at Dillsboro United Methodist Church with Pastor Jann Heseman and Pastor Tom Fehrman officiating. Burial was in the Oakdale Cemetery in Dillsboro with full military rites. The family would appreciate memorials to PAWS or to a fund to help them with medical expenses that have been incurred. DeVries Funeral Home, Dillsboro, was in charge of arrangements.

December 4, 2012

Howard Leroy Hillman

Howard Leroy Hillman, 91, formerly of Milan, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 28, 2012.

A devoted husband and father, Howard was born on Wednesday April 6, 1921 to George and Edna (Voorhees) Hillman in Moores Hill, Indiana.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 wonderful years, Orga (Brashear) Hillman; son Jim Hillman, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; daughters Pam Kaiser (Earl), Milan, Marcia Yurczyk (Randy), Whitestown, Indiana, Kendra Robinson (Mark), Broken Arrow, grandchildren Kevin Kaiser (Melissa), Jason Kaiser (Amy), Kayla Robison (Stephen), Alana and Sophie Yurczyk, and Jake Huddleston; great grandchildren Amanda and Bo Kaiser, Macy, Cole and Megan Kaiser; siblings George Hillman of Batesville, and Norman Hillman (Chris) of Milan, many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Howard Leroy Jr. (Buster), parents Edna and George Hillman, brother Tom Hillman and sister Vivian Burcham.

Howard, a WWII Army veteran serving in the Philippines as Staff Sergeant from 1942 to 1946, was a 65 year member of Sunman American Legion Post 337. He was employed 45 years by Byron Jackson Pumps as a machinist in Lawrenceburg, and Tulsa, OK, where he was later promoted to Plant Superintendent. He and his family attended St. Paul United Methodist Church in Sunman, and First United Methodist Church of Broken Arrow after moving his family to Oklahoma in 1966.

Howard was a very gifted mechanic and repair man. He loved following OSU and BA sports and traveling extensively in their RV after their retirement. He enjoyed serving his church and spending time with family and friends.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 7, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Sunman, with Pastor Duane Loos officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Methodist Cemetery. Military Rites will be by the Sunman American Legion Post #337.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Sunman American Legion Post or the donor's choice through Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan. Online condolences may be made at: Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan, is entrusted with arrangements.

Virginia Lee Irrgang

Virginia Lee Irrgang, 86, of Batesville, passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2012. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 1, at Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville with burial in the St. John Cemetery, Penntown. Memorials are suggested to St. John United Church of Christ in care of Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville, who was entrusted with arrangements.

Wilma Ann Jordan

Wilma Ann Jordan, 86, of Milan, passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at Ripley Crossing in Milan.  She was born Friday, July 2, 1926 in Napoleon, to William F. and Ethel Linda M. Lehman Jordan. She married Walter H. G. Jordan April 10, 1948 at Smyrna Lutheran Church near Napoleon.

Wilma and Walter farmed near Milan where they were active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, and in earlier years, the Rebekkah Lodge, Farm Bureau, and Republican Party.

Wilma enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, talking on the phone to strangers and friends alike. She knew the family history of everyone she met in and around Milan. If anyone was in need, she would be ready with kind words of support. She had an uncanny memory for numbers and could barely understand why anyone would have need of an address book. She sent many Christmas cards, all properly addressed, and called friends on the phone frequently without the use of modern memory saving devices. She also put her "numbers" to use in keeping the farm account books.

Wilma is survived by her husband of 64 years, Walter, son William (Judy) Jordan of Greenfield and daughter Linda Jordan (Jon Reed) of Madison, Wisconsin; grandchildren: Thomas, Stephen, Robert, Brian, Rebecca, Sarah; and great grandchildren: David Daniel Nikolai, and Nathaniel, and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by brothers Floyd, John, and Ralph Miller and sister Ethyl Meyer.

Funeral service for Wilma were held Saturday, December 1, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Milan, with Pastor Susan Socha and Rev. Charles Miller officiating. Burial followed in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan, was entrusted with arrangements. Visit www.lawscarrmoore.com to sign online register book.

Steven Allen Keck

Steven Allen Keck, 47, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at University Hospital. He was born August 9, 1965 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Dewey R. and Della Allen Keck.

Steven had lived in Delaware, where he was a member of the Delaware Methodist Church. He was an Army Veteran and had worked as a truck driver for Greenfield Transport of Iowa.

Survivors include his parents, Dewey R. and Della R. Allen Keck of Delaware; daughter, Gina Keck of WI; and sister, Kathleen Dickman of Osgood.

Graveside services were held Saturday, December 1, at the Arlington Memorial Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio. Memorials may be given to the Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry in care of Neal's Funeral Home, Osgood, who was entrusted with arrangements. www.neals-funeralhome.net.

Dennis Jay Vanderbur

Dennis Jay Vanderbur, 52, of Versailles, passed away on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at his residence. He was born on August 14, 1960 in Greensburg, the son of Dennis Loren Vanderbur and Mildred Mae Lee.

Dennis was born and raised in the Greensburg area and enjoyed playing his guitar, martial arts, hunting, hard rock music and his dogs.

Survivors include his sister, Peggy A. (Mike) Bishop of Versailles; his brothers, Kenneth Loren Vanderbur of Indianapolis and Mark Dwenger of Greensburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Christine Innis and Cynthia Hubbard.

The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4, at the Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport with Rev. Michael Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Burks Chapel Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the Rodney Wesleyan Church. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com. Bass & Gasper Funeral Home, Westport, is entrusted with arrangements.