Billy West
Billy Carlton West, age 85, of Florence, passed away at 7:35 a.m., on Friday, April 7th, 2017, at his residence.
Billy entered this life on September 13th, 1931, in Colquitt, Georgia, the son of the late Willie Carlton and Fanny (Hooks) West. He was raised in Colquitt, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida.
Billy was inducted into the United States Navy on July 28th, 1950, in Columbia, South Carolina, serving during the Korean War. He earned his G.E.D. and college credit, the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the China Service Medal. Billy was honorably discharged with the rank of Machinists Mate Third Class on May 14th, 1954, in San Ysidro, California.
Billy was united in marriage on May 28th, 1954, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Evelyn Waynne Leadley; and to this union arrived two sons: Christopher and Marcus to bless their home. Evelyn and Billy shared nearly 63 years of marriage together until his death.
Billy was a former machinist for ITT AC Pump Division in Norwood, Ohio, retiring in 2003, after 10 years of service. Billy resided in the Switzerland County community since 1981. Billy enjoyed tying flies and fishing.
Billy will be deeply missed by his loving wife of nearly 63 years: Evelyn Waynne (Leadley) West of Florence; by his son: Marcus Carlton West and his wife: Amanda of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; by his grandchildren: Martin Christopher and Matthew Carlton West; by his sister-in-law: Lelia Ernest of Murphys, California; and his nieces: Susan Ernest of Rochester, Minnesota and Kathy Carmichael of Murphys, California.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Willie Carlton and Fanny (Hooks) West; and his son: Christopher Martin West, who died in 2006.
No services are being held at this time. Haskell and Morrison Funeral Home in Vevay is assisting the family at this difficult time.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army. Cards are available at the funeral home.
Ruth Meyer
Ruth M. Kaiser Meyer, age 93, of Greensburg, Indiana, formerly of Madison and Aurora, died on Friday, April 7th, 2017, at 8:35 a.m. at the Waters of Batesville in Batesville, Indiana.
Ruth entered this life on May 22nd, 1923 in Dover, Indiana. She was the loving daughter of the late Andrew Charles and Susan Barker Kaiser. She was raised in Dover and graduated from Guilford High School, and later attended Secretarial School. She was raised in St. John Catholic Church (now All Saints).
On February 8th, 1943, Ruth was united in marriage to William J. Meyer in Dover, Indiana. This happy union of 54 years was blessed with daughters: Kathryn, Paula, and Carla; and sons: James, Mark, and John.
The family resided in Aurora, Indiana for 55 years and Ruth was a devoted wife, loving mother, and grandmother. She sold Avon for many years and enjoyed her many customers. The family were members of St. Mary Catholic Church in Aurora.
After the death of her husband, Ruth lived in Madison from 1997-2013; and she was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Ruth enjoyed gardening, especially raising Violets, Orchids, reading, raising Canaries, knitting, crocheting and sewing. Ruth was now a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Greensburg.
Ruth will be missed by her loving daughters: Kathryn Ryan and her husband, Chris of Seabrook Island, South Carolina; Paula A. Meyer Shaw and her husband, Gene of Cincinnati, Ohio; Carla Meyer Stillwell and her fiancée, Steve Cole of Madison, Indiana; by her son: Father John A. Meyer of Greensburg, Indiana; her loving daughters-in-law: Debra Meyer Reuland and her husband, Terry of Hidden Valley Lake, Indiana; Sofia Meyer Wolf and her husband, Guy of Brandon, Florida; by her loving grandchildren: Britta, Kristin, Jeremy, Abbey, Audrey, Patrick, Tony, William, Erika, Jennifer, Stephen and Kristian; by 20 great-grandchildren; and by her brother-in-law, Father Benedict Meyer of Saint Meinrad, Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her father, Andrew Charles Kaiser, who died in 1986; by her mother, Susan Barker Kaiser, who died in 1974; by her beloved husband of 54 years, William J. Meyer, who died on December 7th, 1997; and her loving sons: Mark Andrew Meyer, who died on September 24th, 1987 and James W. Meyer, who died on June 20th, 2002.
Funeral Mass was conducted on Wednesday, April 12th, 2017, celebrated by Father John A. Meyer at the St. Mary Catholic Church, 1331 East Hunter Robbins Way in Greensburg, Indiana. Interment followed in the River View Cemetery in Aurora, Indiana. Friends were invited to call on the family on Tuesday, April 11th and Wednesday, April 12th at the St. Mary Catholic Church. A prayer service was held on Tuesday, April 11th at the conclusion of the visitation at the church. Morgan and Nay Funeral Centre in Madison is assisting the family at this time.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Shawe and Pope John or the St. Mary Catholic Church Building Fund. Cards are available at the funeral home and at the Church.
Gordon Scudder
Gordon G. Scudder, 72, of Plant City, Florida, passed away on Thursday, April 6th, 2017.
Gordon was born in Patriot, on September 25th, 1944. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served in the Vietnam War.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, LaDona Scudder; by his children: Sheila Davenport (Ron) of Tampa, Florida; Herman Scudder of Plant City, Florida; Mary Jewel Scudder (Ken Sumner) of Dover, Florida; and Aaron Scudder (Jessica) of Lakeland, Florida.
He is also survived by five sisters; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 14th from 10-11 a.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 CR 39 S, Plant City, Florida; followed by graveside military honors at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S.W. 102nd Ave, Bushnell, Florida.
Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Dr. Ralph Pratt
Ralph Martin Pratt, Jr. M.D. , age 96, of Madison, died on Tuesday, April 4th, 2017, at 2:35 p.m. at the King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison.
Dr. Pratt entered this life in Jefferson County, Indiana on December 15th, 1920. He was the loving son of the late Ralph M. Sr. and Adele P. “Della” Smith Pratt. He was raised in Brooksburg and graduated high school in 1939.
On August 6th, 1942, he was united in marriage to Lucille Kosick in Joliet, Illinois. This happy union of 56 years was blessed with three children: Cynthia, Robert W., and Ralph M., III.
On December 10th, 1943, he was inducted in to the United States Army in Chicago, Illinois during World War II. He rose to the rate of Technician Third Grade serving the Medical Detachment 5th Infantry and served in France, Central Europe, Germany, Rhineland, and Austria. He was honorably discharged on May 4th, 1946 at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin earning the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Medical Badge and Expert Rifle Badge.
At the age of 29, he was accepted into the Indiana School of Medicine, where he graduated on September 29th, 1955. Dr. Pratt settled back in Madison where he practiced general medicine on Poplar Street for 15 years. He served as the team physician for the Hanover College football program and ran a health clinic for the college students. In May 1971, he earned his degree as a clinical pathologist from the University of Louisville Medical School and joined the partnership of “Alcorn, Heaton and Pratt,” which provided pathology services to King’s Daughters’ Hospital, Dearborn County Hospital, Carroll County Hospital, Scott County Hospital and Schenck Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Pratt retired from medicine on October 1st, 1990 at the age of 70. He had earned his Eagle Scout in 1936 from the Boy Scouts of America, and later became involved with his sons and grandson in the Boy Scouts of America. After retirement, Dr. Pratt received a degree in Computer Information Systems from IVY Tech Madison. He was active in the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Lodge as a 4th degree life-time member, Madison Elks Lodge No. 524, Chairman of Jefferson County SCORE, received the Golden Shamrock Award in 2004 from the Friends of Shawe and Pope John, volunteer for “End of the Month Meals” Program, member of the First Jefferson County Catholic School Board, member of the Board of Trustees of the Catholic Community Foundation, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Madison and Jefferson County Community Foundation.
He was elected Jefferson County Coroner in 1968 and served through 1976. He served as Head of Pathology at King’s Daughters’ Hospital from 1970-1990 and held membership in many professional societies including: Jefferson-Switzerland County Medical Society, Indiana State Medical Association, the American Medical Association, and the International Academy of Pathologist. Dr. Pratt was honored in 2008 as the recipient of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Jeff Garrett Community Service Award.
Dr. Pratt will be missed by his loving daughter, Cynthia Pratt Graft and her husband, Raymond of Louisville, Kentucky; his loving sons: Robert W. Pratt and his wife, Sheila of Madison and Ralph M. Pratt, III and his wife, Jacqueline of Louisville, Kentucky; by his grandchildren: Hal, Ben and Matt Graft; Erin Pratt Ray and her husband, Aaron; Haley Pratt Hilts and her husband, Brian, Ralph Pratt IV and his wife, Mary Elizabeth; Jeffrey Paul Pratt and his wife, Jennifer; and Colburn Allen Pratt and his wife, Anne.
He is also survived by his great grandchildren: Isabella Lucille Pratt, Finley Pratt, Jones Pratt, and Charles Pratt; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Martin Pratt, Sr., who died on December 24th, 1965; by his mother, Adele P. Smith Pratt, who died on May 15th, 1988; by his beloved wife of 56 years, Lucille Kosick Pratt, who died on December 6th, 1998, and his sister, Norma Jean Pratt, who died on November 10th, 1937.
Funeral Mass was conducted on Saturday, April 8th, 2017, and celebrated by Father Christopher A. Craig at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, in downtown Madison. Interment followed in the Brooksburg Cemetery. Friends were invited to call on Friday, April 7th and Saturday, April 8th at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre in Madison. The Rosary was prayed on Friday, April 7th, at the funeral home. Full military honors were conducted on Saturday, April 8th at the graveside by Jefferson Post #9 of the American Legion and the Fort Knox Ceremonial Unit.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Lucille Kosick Pratt Memorial Scholarship or the Dr. Ralph Pratt Memorial Scholarship. Cards are available at the funeral home and the church.
Chester Vogel
Chester C. Vogel, 79, of Canaan, passed away at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5th, 2017 at University Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He was born at Friendship, Indiana on July 10th, 1937, the son of Walter and Leona Thieman Vogel.
He was married to Margaret Elbrecht on September 22nd, 1962 and the couple shared 54 years together until his passing.
Chester was a 1955 graduate of Vevay High School and was an Army veteran. He retired in 1995 from Seagrams, where he had worked in security for 27 years. He had also worked as a self-employed trucker hauling milk and fertilizer; was once employed with Cummins, and also farmed. Chester was an accomplished fiddle player and was the second inductee into the Southeast Indiana Musicians Hall of Fame. He was a lifelong member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Dewberry.
Chester is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret; by one son: Brian (Pam) Vogel of Scipio, Indiana; by one daughter: Beth (Keith) Sieverding of Cross Plains, Indiana; by three grandsons: Andrew and Stephen Sieverding, and Samuel Vogel; and by a sister, Marietta (Junior) Niederbaumer of Farmers Retreat, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held on Monday, April 10th at the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Dewberry with Pastor Juan Luna officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation was held on Sunday, April 9th at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles, and also until time of services on Monday at the church.
Memorials may be given to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ripley County 40 & 8, or the Friendship Fire Department in care of the funeral home.
Raye Gregory
Raye Vernon Gregory, 76, of Dillsboro, Indiana, passed away at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 8th, 2017 at The Waters of Dillsboro.
Raye was born in Aurora, Indiana, on March 20th, 1941, the son of the late Nancy K. (Jennings) and John A. Gregory.
He spent his early childhood in Switzerland County; and was a 1959 graduate of Aurora High School. He worked as a Postal Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 22 years. Raye was also former owner of Gregory Jewelry in Aurora, Indiana, and was a certified watch maker. Raye was a former member of the Aurora Lions Club and an Eagle Scout.
Raye married Karen Louise (Fry) Gregory on August 11th, 1962 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aurora, Indiana. Raye’s life revolved around his wife and they were married 43 years until her passing. Raye and Karen enjoyed antiquing, dancing, traveling and camping.
Raye is survived by a daughter: Krista Louise Cook (Ronnie), of Dillsboro, Indiana; by a son: Kelly Raye Gregory (Ladonna), of Lawrenceburg, Indiana; by grandchildren Ivy Louise and Katherine Mito Cook; by a sister, Sharon Monroe, of Franklin, Indiana; by two brothers, Lynn Gregory, of Indianapolis, Indiana and Bill Gregory, of Rising Sun.
Raye was preceded in death by his parents; by his wife Karen, who passed away on August 5th, 2005; by his brother, Pat Gregory; and by his brother, John Edwards Gregory.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 13th at the Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun. Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 12th, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery in Aurora, Indiana. Memorial donations may be made to the Versailles State Park or St. John’s Lutheran Ladies. Cards are available at the funeral home.
Roberta Hamilton
Roberta Brooks Hamilton, age 90, of Metropolis, Illinois, formerly of Madison, died on Tuesday, April 4th, 2017, at the Southgate Healthcare Center in Metropolis, Illinois.
Roberta entered this life on October 10th, 1926 in Switzerland County, near Vevay. She was the daughter of the late Oliver and Lillie Brooke Brooks. Her family moved to Brooksburg when she was two years old, and she resided in Jefferson County until 1992.
Roberta was united in marriage to Carroll Hamilton, and this union was blessed with sons, Dean and Terry.
She was employed in the dietary department of the Madison State Hospital and retired in 1992. Carroll and Roberta retired to Florida in 1992, returning to Madison in 2000. She was a faithful member of Calvary Wesleyan Church in Madison as long as her health permitted. Roberta enjoyed crafts and being with her family. She moved to Metropolis in 2010 to be near her son.
Roberta will be missed by her loving sons: Dean Hamilton and his wife, Norma of Karnak, Illinois and Terry Hamilton and his wife, Lauri of Chicago, Illinois; by her step daughter: Judy Burton of Tennessee; her grandchildren: Michael and Jonathan Hamilton; her great grandchildren: Jake and Mikenna; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her father, Oliver Brooks; her mother, Lillie Brooke Brooks; her husband, Carroll Hamilton, who died on Februrary 25th, 2000; her sisters: Dollie Cole and Ethel Rowlett; and her brothers: Stacy Brooks, Raymond Brooks, Emerson Brooks and Wilford Brooks.
Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, April 9th, 2017, by Pastor Monty L. Mahoney at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana. Interment followed in the Moffett Cemetery in Milton, Kentucky.
Friends were invited to call on the family on Saturday, April 8th and Sunday 9th at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Wesleyan Church or the American Cancer Society. Cards are available at the funeral home.
Penny Fisk
Penny Ann Fisk, 68, of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, passed away at 4:07 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5th, 2017 at her residence.
Penny was born in Batesville, Indiana, on January 31st, 1949, the daughter of the late Hildred “Peggy” (O’Connell) and Billy Bob Fisk. Penny grew up in Patriot, and was a graduate of Patriot High School, Class of 1967.
Penny retired from Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg, where she worked in registration for 33 years. Penny loved animals and was a devoted and long time volunteer for P.A.W.S. of Dearborn County.
Penny is survived by a sister, Pamela Hutchinson and husband Richard “Rocky”, of Patriot; a brother, David Fisk and wife Connie, of Patriot; by sister-in-law Linda Fisk, of Patriot; by nephews, Richie Hutchinson, Will Hutchinson, Jeremy Fisk and Joe Fisk; and by nieces Holly Huey and Amber Cole.
She was preceded in death by her father, Billy Bob Fisk, who passed away on June 21st, 1997; by her mother, Hildred “Peggy” Fisk, who passed away on August 17th, 2003; and by a brother, Timothy Fisk, who passed away on March 6th, 2004.
Funeral services were held on Monday, April 10th at the Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun, with Reverend Mike Jones officiating. Visitation was held on Monday, April 10th, prior to the beginning of the service at the funeral home. Burial was at Eastview Cemetery in Patriot.
Memorial donations may be made to P.A.W.S. of Dearborn County. Cards are available at funeral home.
Lunis Manuel
Lunis Abell “Liny” Manuel, age 89, of Madison, died on Thursday, April 6th, 2017, at 10:50 a.m. at the River Terrace Health Campus in Madison.
Lunis entered this life on June 14th, 1927 in Bennington. He was the loving son of the late Rex Edward and Catherine Mary “Katie” Cole Manuel. He was raised in Switzerland County and attended Vevay High School.
Lunis joined the Merchant Marines and was later inducted into the United States Army on September 18th, 1950 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He rose to the rate of Corporal, serving the 5th Army during the Korean War. He served in Company B 201st Engineers (C) Battalion from Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, arriving in Korea on May 2nd, 1951. He was honorably discharged on June 19th, 1952 from Camp McCoy earning a Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze campaign stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the United Nations Service Medal.
He returned home to farm, and was united in marriage on September 14th, 1957 in Madison to Ruby Jean Scott. This happy union of 57 years was blessed with a daughter, Cheryl.
The family moved to Madison in the late 1950s, and Lunis began employment with Grote Industries; where he worked for over 31 years, retiring in 1990 as the Stock Room Clerk.
He held life membership in the Madison VFW Post #1969; former member of the Madison Moose Lodge; member of the Quarter of the Century Club; and the Madison Assembly of God, where he was baptized. Family was the most important treasure in his life. He also enjoyed the horse track, gambling boats, playing euchre, poker, golf, bowling and squirrel hunting.
Lunis will be missed by his loving daughter, Cheryl Leach and her husband, John of Hanover; his loving sister-in-law and brothers-in-law: Eva and Kenny McKinley of Hanover; his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law: Kenneth D. Seel of Madison; Bob Danger of Garner, Iowa; and Ulysses Ford of Carrollton, Kentucky; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rex Edward Manuel, who died on January 16th, 1992; his mother, Catherine Mary “Katie” Cole Manuel, who died in 1961; by his step mother, Edith P. Thompson Cole Manuel; by his beloved wife of 57 years, Ruby Jean Scott Manuel, who died on September 11th, 2014; by his sisters: Mabel Adams and Elizabeth Adams; by his brothers: Charles Edward “Chuck” Manuel and James “J.W.” Manuel; and by two unnamed infant siblings.
Funeral services were conducted on Monday, April 10th, 2017, by Pastor Peter Joudry at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive Madison, Indiana. Interment followed in the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1415 North Gate Road in Madison. Friends were invited to call on the family on Sunday, April 9th and Monday, April 10th, at the funeral home.
Full military honors were conducted on Monday, April 10th, at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel by Jefferson Post #9 of the American Legion.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison Assembly of God Church or the Jefferson County Animal Shelter or the Disabled American Veterans. Cards are available at the funeral home.
Janet Lawless
Janet Lee Lawless, 83, of Rising Sun, passed away at 2:28 p.m. on Sunday, April 9th, 2017 at Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Janet was born in Ohio County on October 1st, 1933, the daughter of the late Rebecca (Keith) and Mahlon Fisk. She was a 1951 graduate of Rising Sun High School. Janet worked as a office clerk at Chipman General Maintenance in Aurora. She also worked for Kern Glass in California, Thatcher Glass in Lawrenceburg, Jack’s Place in Rising Sun and Mac’s Sports & More in Aurora.
Janet was a member of the Rising Sun Church of Christ. She was also a member of Rising Sun Eastern Star and the Rising Sun American Legion Post #59 Auxiliary. Janet was an avid IU basketball fan. She loved going to whatever activity her grandkids were involved with and she also enjoyed going to the high school ball games. Janet played softball up until her forties. In her younger days she drove on the Powder Puff Stock Car circuit and was known for her “lead foot” till this day.
Janet is survived by a daughter, Marilyn Craig and husband Kerry, of Quercus Grove; by a son, Jeff McHenry and wife Lori, of Lawrenceburg; by her grandchildren: Stacey Louden, Adam Craig, Matt Craig, Misty Bradley, Stevie McHenry, Shane McHenry, Brooke Levell, Trevor Munt, Ashley Munt, and Tyler Lostutter; by 22 great grandchildren; and by a sister, Jean Jackson, of Rising Sun.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband Weldon Lawless, who passed away on February 24th, 1987; by a son: Steven Wayne McHenry, who passed away on August 9th, 2005; by a brother, Billy Bob Fisk; and by a sister: Betty Jane Gossom.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 13th at the Rising Sun Church of Christ, with Brother Nathan Pelehowski officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Rising Sun Church of Christ, Dearborn County Hospice or the Steven McHenry Memorial Scholarship. Markland Funeral Home of Rising Sun is serving the family.