Grayson Funeral Home

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we recognize and appreciate the dedication, hard work and contributions of workers in our communities and across the country. We wish everyone a safe, peaceful and enjoyable Labor Day!

09/03/2026

Anita DeMoss Friess

Anita DeMoss Friess, 82, passed away on August 30, 2026, at Green River Trails in Greensburg, KY. She was born on August 17, 1944, in Memphis, IN to the late Marvin and Eva Scholl DeMoss.

Anita enjoyed gardening, painting, ceramics, and bowling. She retired from Beneficial Management Corporation after 38 years of service.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Charles Gilbert Friess, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie Friess Cox (Derrick) and her grandson, Gilbert Cox.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown, IN from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and again on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am also at the funeral home. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am. Anita will be laid to rest beside her husband Charles at Silver Creek Cemetery in Sellersburg following the service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Anita’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation.

View Anita DeMoss Friess's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/01/2026

Carmen Laine Kesack

Carmen Elaine Kesack, died on August 26, 2026, at Traditions Memory Care, in Sellersburg, IN. She was born on September 6, 1943, in Charlestown, Indiana.

Carmen was the wife of the late Daniel R. Kesack. She will be remembered with love by her family and all who knew her. An avid needle pointer, and always ready to cheer on the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots football teams. Charlestown held a special place in Carmen's heart, and she made an annual weeklong trip back to visit. She and Daniel liked to take a short getaway to Atlantic City to gamble and see the sites.

She is survived by her stepchildren Alan Kesack and his wife Cathy, Robert Kesack and his wife Celina, and Cheryl Steere and her husband Howard. She is also survived by her nephew David Abbott and his wife Cheri, her nephew Eddie Abbott, and her niece Lucy Abbott Hein; nieces and nephews, David Abbott Jr. and wife Dokata, Erica Christman and husband Brady, Matt Abbott, Morgan Abbott, Jennifer Hein, and Timmy Hein, along with 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Each of them carries forward cherished memories of Carmen and the place she held in their lives.

In addition to her parents Hiram and Virginia Henderson Abbott; and her beloved husband, Daniel R. Kesack, she was proceeded in death by her brother, Everett Ray Abbott and her stepson Daniel V. Kesack all who were part of her family’s story.

Expressions of love and sympathy should take the form of donations in Carmen's honor to: Southern Care Hospice at 811 Northgate Blvd #101, New Albany, IN 47150.

A memorial service will be held on September 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Charlestown Community Presbyterian Church, 1370 Monroe St, Charlestown, Indiana 47111.

View Carmen Laine Kesack's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/31/2026

Marilyn V. Pettry

Marilyn Violet Pettry, 79, of Charlestown, IN, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

The daughter of Joseph Curry and Violet Sheets Curry. She had 9 siblings; 7 have passed, and 2 are still here on earth. She was married for almost 50 years to the love of her life, Joseph Pettry, who passed in 2013.

She had 3 children: Barbara Odle (Johnie), Timothy Pettry (Linda), and Patricia Pettry. She had 13 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. What a life. Too many nieces and nephews to count. Marilyn was a stay-at-home most of her life, then decided to go to work. She retired from NuYale Cleaners after 16 years of service!

Marilyn was blessed with two good friends she always talked about: Jane and Judy, her neighbors, along with her brother-in-law, Paul Pettry, and his wife, Barbara, who were all so special to her.

She mostly enjoyed being a mom and a grandma. She was very private, and she liked it that way.

A very beautiful soul.

Cremation was Marilyn's wish, and no services will be held.

Please consider sharing a memory of Marilyn or leaving a special message for her family by completing the online Guestbook below.

View Marilyn V. Pettry's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/28/2026

Zella LaVerne Taylor

Zella LaVerne (Lawson) Taylor, 90, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Born on April 17, 1936, Zella lived a life marked by warmth, style, and deep devotion to her family. She was very fashionable and took great joy in home décor, bringing beauty and care into the spaces she made her own. She was also a gifted cook who loved feeding her family, and many of her expressions of love were shared around the table. Above all, she dearly loved her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

She was born on April 17, 1936 in Marysville, Indiana to the late Roy Lawson and Emily Culbertson Lawson. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, John M. Taylor; daughter, Sherry Young; son, John Travis Taylor; siblings, Clifford Lawson, Buford Lawson, Nevada Powers, Roxie Lawson, Mona Glass, Inez Jones, Lucille Ringo, Martha Cullins, Evalee Poole, Elsie Craven, and Barbara Jobe; and her grandson, Quinton Taylor.

Zella is survived by her daughter, Melissa Horine (Ray); grandchildren, John Wesley Carroll, Adam Carroll, Blake Horine, Lana Fleig (Mark), Neil Young, Tyler Parnell, and Zachary Taylor; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Grayson Funeral Home (893 High Street, Charlestown). Her Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, at the funeral home with burial to follow at Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, Indiana.

Please consider sharing a memory of Zella or leaving a special message for her family by completing the online Guestbook below.

View Zella LaVerne Taylor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/27/2026

Linda Sue Brooks

Linda Brooks, 73, of Charlestown, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. She was born on November 16, 1952 in Glasgow, Kentucky. Linda had a deep love and appreciation for her family and the bonds they held. She always enjoyed a chance to listen to country and gospel music and counted on watching several gospel ministries on YouTube with her husband.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank Perkins and Margaret Board Perkins; sisters, Leisa Burgin and Brenda Wampler; and brother, Donny Perkins.

Linda is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Gary Brooks; sons, Adam (Theresa) Brooks and Gabe Brooks; brother, Mickey (Bonita) Perkins; and many nieces, a nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Grayson Funeral Home (893 High Street, Charlestown). Her Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 pm on Thursday, at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest privately at Charlestown Cemetery.

Please consider sharing a memory or leaving a special message for her family by completing the online Guestbook below.

View Linda Sue Brooks's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/27/2026

Michael D. Hall

Michael “Mike” Douglas Hall, 74, of Charlestown, Indiana, passed away on August 26, 2026.

Born October 25, 1951 to Clay and Sarah Rose Hall, Mike was a lifelong Charlestown native with deep roots in the community he always called home. He grew up in Charlestown and later returned to his alma mater as a high school business teacher. Teaching was far more than a career for Mike - he truly loved his students and the relationships he built with them. He was a well-liked teacher and a favorite of many students throughout the years.

Outside the classroom, Mike coached basketball, baseball, and football, sharing his passion for athletics and mentoring countless young people. He also led the school’s DECA business club, traveling with students across the country for competitions and helping create experiences his students would cherish.

Mike’s commitment to Charlestown extended beyond the school system. In 2003, he was elected Mayor of Charlestown, following in the footsteps of his father, who had also served as mayor. Serving the community he loved came naturally to Mike, and it was the honor of his life to serve as Charlestown’s Mayor.

Later, Mike worked with FEMA, traveling throughout the country to help people in the aftermath of floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. He assisted victims and their families in finding safe, stable housing to help rebuild their lives.

Regardless of the role he held, Mike was a people person who never met a stranger. His friendly smile, welcoming personality, sense of humor, and genuine interest in others were qualities that drew people to him.

Above all, family was the center of Mike’s life. He and his wife Debbie built a family he deeply treasured. Mike is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Debbie Hall; his four children, Kristin Pickerell (Jeremy) of Charlestown, Kaelin Thacker (Aaron) of Charlestown, Jonathan Hall (Laura) of Lexington, Kentucky, and Brad Hall (Liz) of Charlestown; and his nine grandchildren who he loved dearly, Austin, Katie, Blake, Kylie, Clay, Eva, George, Elle, and Nora. Mike is also survived by his loving siblings - Tony Hall (Pam) of Charlestown and Ruth Ann Rawlings of North Port, Florida. Mike was preceded in death by his parents.

A proud graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, Mike never stopped cheering on his beloved Hoosiers. In true Mike fashion, he went out a champion.

Mike was as a teacher, coach, mentor, public servant, volunteer fireman, Mason, husband, father, and grandfather. He taught and encouraged young people, served his community, helped families across the country during times of disaster, and made friends everywhere he went. His greatest legacy - other than his children and grandchildren, who will carry his name and memory for the rest of their lives - continues on in the many people whose lives are better because they knew him.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Traditions at Bridgepointe Gardens in Jeffersonville, where Mike spent his final days. The family sincerely appreciates the excellent care they provided to him.

In lieu of flowers, Mike’s family asks that donations be made to the Hall of Hope Family Foundation, whose mission is to provide compassionate financial assistance to families impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia. (www.hallofhopefamily.com) Donation checks can be mailed to any New Washington State Bank or to the address on the website.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at Grayson Funeral Home (893 High Street, Charlestown) with a Masonic Service at 6:30 pm. His Funeral Service will be at 12:00 pm on Monday, at the funeral home.

View Michael D. Hall's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/27/2026

Amanda Jillian "Jill" Vest

Amanda Jillian Vest, “Jill”, 48, of Charlestown, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026. She was a proud pet mama all of her life and will be sorely missed by Piper, O’mari, and Blakey.

She was born on January 29, 1978, in Jeffersonville, Indiana to Jerry Vest and Kimberley (Barton) Vest. She is preceded in death by her sister, Nicki Vest, maternal grandparents Lloyd and Martha Barton, paternal grandparents Leonard and Imogene Vest, uncle Michael Barton, and cousin Dustin Barton.

Jill is survived by her loving parents, aunt, uncles, and cousins.

Cremation was chosen following Jill’s wishes. She will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery in New Washington, Indiana at a later date.

Please consider sharing a memory of Jill or leaving a special message for her family by completing the online Guestbook below.

View Amanda Jillian "Jill" Vest's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/26/2026

Betty J. Worley

Betty J. Worley, age 89, cast her final line and peacefully slipped away at her home in Taylorsville, Kentucky, surrounded by love on August 24, 2026.

Born in Leavenworth, Indiana, Betty was the beloved daughter of the late Girtie and Mary Lee West. She leaves behind a rich legacy defined by a faithful, adventurous, and wonderfully vibrant life. Betty was a woman of many passions. She was an avid collector of just about anything—finding beauty and purpose in the eclectic pieces of the world around her. Above all, Betty loved to fish. Whether the fish were biting or not, she found her ultimate peace and joy on the water.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald; her son, Gene; her son-in-law, Jon Porter; her grandson, Matthew Porter; her granddaughter, Jennifer Porter; and her great-grandson, Dillon Porter. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Bill, Jim, and Bob(Ann).

Her love and adventurous spirit live on through her devoted daughters: Bonnie Anderson (David), Regina Porter, Donna Williams (Frank), Shannon Williams (Edward), and a bonus daughter Heather Salas (Joseph).

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, whom she was known as Nana: Greg (Holly), Kenny (Cassie), Camren (Josh), Kyle (Cody), Leslie (Tasha), Brandon (Ashley), Ben (Olivia), Patrick, and James (Kayla); her great-grandchildren: Hanna, Jaydon, Khloe, Kenzley,Jameson, Karlee, Jonathan (Paige), Harper, Layla, Tatum (Dalton), Jade, Sophia, Jeremiah, Xander, Kodi Blu, Xavier, Gage, Sophia, Luna, Elinor, Eli, Hudson, Johnavin, MaKayla, Mariah, Lydia, and Samantha; and her precious great-great-grandchildren: Weston, Brooklyn, Faith, Kaylyn, Giovanni,and Taylor along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In accordance with Betty's explicit wishes, cremation has been chosen. She made it strictly known that she did not want a traditional funeral. In her own words, she "didn’t want everybody moping around," and playfully noted that "you should have come and saw her while she was alive." She wanted a party, and by golly, that is exactly what the family intends to do. A lively Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Hosparus Health for their exceptional guidance to us in her comfort and care.

Thank you for the messages, cards and gifts that were sent to her PO Box campaign , she absolutely loved it.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Betty’s memory by keeping a few things in mind; Do something kind for someone else unexpectedly and without explanation—even if it is just telling a stranger that the shirt they are wearing is a great color. It cost nothing to be kind. Call your loved ones often and take a kid fishing.

Please consider sharing a memory of Betty or leaving a special message for her family by completing the online Guestbook below.

08/25/2026

Raymond Vest

Raymond Vest, 61, born December 21, 1964, passed away on August 23, 2026, following a long illness.

Raymond found fulfillment in his craft and pastimes. A talented small engine repairman, he was known for his knack with lawn equipment-often spending time bringing new life to machines and sharing his handiwork with others at the 7th Street Flea Market in Louisville. He took pride not only in the skill of his work but in the relationships he built along the way. Whether exchanging stories, bartering deals, or offering a helping hand, Raymond’s presence was one of quiet generosity and steadfast reliability.

He was an enthusiastic NASCAR fan, always cheering for Dale Earnhardt; spending time at the shooting range became a moment of focus and camaraderie. He also had a passion for grilling and spending moments outdoors, where laughter and good food were always in supply. A proud Ford truck owner, Raymond embodied the loyal, hardworking spirit associated with the brand. Old westerns, fresh air, and memories of his formative years working on the farm were touchstones in his life, stories he enjoyed sharing with those who knew him best.

He is survived by his cherished son, Isaac Vest (Emily); his sisters, Bonnie Lone and her husband, Richard Lone; and Patty Vest; and his brother George Vest.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene M. and Aline Eggenspiller Vest; his sister, Dianna Grimes; and his brothers, Anthony Vest and Donald Vest.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Grayson Funeral Home (893 High Street, Charlestown). His Funeral Service will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, at the funeral home with burial to follow at Charlestown Cemetery.

Please consider sharing a memory of Raymond or leaving a special message for his family by completing the online Guestbook below.

View Raymond Vest's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.