Bernita M. Baurley, 74, of Versailles, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bernita was born on January 6,1951, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to Thomas and Gertrude Aydt. She married Robert Baurley in Linton, Indiana, on October 21, 1972, and he survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Sara Powers of Greensburg; a son, Nathan (Michelle) Baurley of New Palestine; five grandchildren, Evan Baurley of Louisville, Lydia and Lauren Powers of Greensburg, Caleb and Harrison Baurley of New Palestine; as well as six siblings Kathy (John) Jones, Jerry (Ronna) Aydt, Juanita (Tim) Egnew, Paul (Vickie) Aydt, Jane (Joe) Robbins, and Debbie (Jeff) Hollingsworth. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Bernita was a 1969 graduate of Linton-Stockton High School, and afterwards, she attended Marian College in Indianapolis, where she met Robert and began their courtship. She was a homemaker and babysitter for several years and then worked 26 years for Southeastern Indiana REMC in Osgood until she retired in May 2019. In her spare time, Bernita enjoyed gardening and raising flowers around her home, watching her grandchildren participate in athletic activities, and participating in local senior fitness and walking classes where she made several new friendships. She was also a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Madison, Indiana. Bernita (Bernie to her good friends) will be remembered for her fun sense of humor, her easy smile, and her sweet and caring ways. She loved having the opportunity to try new things and frequently jumped in to help without being asked. Bernie always had encouraging words for others and demonstrated such courage and faith in her cancer battle, leaving such an impact on all who knew her.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 25 at St. Patrick’s Chapel in Madison with Father Rick Nagel officiating. Burial will be in the St. Magdalene Cemetery at Madison. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rosary services at 3:30 p.m. Memorials may be given to the St. Magdalene Cemetery or the New Marion Fire Department in care of the funeral home.