Josephine Westmeyer
Josephine “Jo” Westmeyer, 95, of Versailles passed away in her home at 5:50 a.m., Thursday, July 9, 2020. Born near New Marion January 8, 1925, the youngest daughter of Clyde and Mabel Armstrong Curry, she was married to Jesse Westmeyer Sr. December 9,1944 and he preceded her in death on April 12, 1991.
Survivors include her son David Westmeyer, Sr.; 7 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law Jane Westmeyer of Versailles and Ann Westmeyer of Lexington, Kentucky; and special niece Carolyn (Bill) Brown of Greensburg. She was also preceded in death by her sons Jesse Westmeyer, Jr. and Steve Westmeyer, her parents, brothers Halstead Curry and Robert Curry, and her sisters Clara Belle Vestal, Isabelle Heidorn, and Dorothy Cromer.
Mrs. Westmeyer was a 1943 graduate of Versailles High School. Her working career involved helping her mother at “Ma Curry’s” Restaurant in Versailles as well as being a secretary at the Jefferson Proving Ground. Jo was an 82-year member of the (Tyson) United Methodist Church where she participated in the UMW, a 69-year member of the Versailles OES, and a 75-year member of the Versailles American Legion Auxiliary. Her lifelong dedication to her family, church, and community was felt by all. She was devoted to community service and a passionate supporter of Uncle Jim Tyson’s legacy.
Attending Girls State (1942), she never missed an opportunity to vote and was dedicated to providing that same experience for countless others. Jo was known for the beautiful roses in front of her home, sharing her “solo” with her church family by bringing endless flower arrangements and won an untold amount of Pumpkin Show blue ribbons. Jo shared her wonderful memories of Versailles with all, keeping many that had moved away still connected by sending newspaper articles and always sending her prayers. She truly loved her town and was proud to watch her family grow here as well as many others that felt just like family, reminding everyone that they were “good kids” and made of “good stuff”. She had the distinction of being the Tyson UMC Historian and served as a flower girl for Uncle Jim Tyson’s funeral in 1941.
Funeral services for Jo will be held on Thursday, July 16th at 11 a.m. at the Tyson United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Zerkel officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10 a.m. until time of services Thursday at the church. Due to COVID-19, we strongly encourage visiting family and friends to practice social distancing and wear a mask while visiting. Memorials may be given to the Clara Belle Vestal Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.
