Barbara A. Ketchum, 75, of Clear Lake passed away peacefully surrounded by family Saturday, December 28, 2024 under hospice care at her home.
A service to honor her life will be held 11:00am Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. North, Clear Lake, IA. She will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Barbara Ann was born July 3, 1949 in Iowa City, Iowa the daughter of Carl Frank and Martha Rae (Westrick) Evans. She grew up traveling the world following her father’s military career. Eventually the family made their home in Solon, IA, where she attended and graduated from Solon High School. On July 8, 1967 she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Jerry Lee Ketchum at Mt. Vernon, IA. The couple was blessed with three children: Bradley, LeeAnn and Jonathan and eventually made their home in Clear Lake.
Barbara’s zest for life was as colorful and vibrant as the quilts she so lovingly stitched for her family. Whether crafting dolls and angels for the next big craft show or whipping up a meal in her kitchen, she poured her heart into everything she did. Her openness and honesty meant you always knew where you stood with her, but it was her bubbly, forgiving nature and warm acceptance that made her a joy to be around. Barbara’s world revolved around her family—her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Despite battling a rare disease for more than 20 years, she never let it dampen her spirit. With Jerry, her devoted husband of 60 years, by her side, she faced every challenge with unwavering strength, proving that love and determination could conquer even the toughest of battles.
Surviving are her beloved husband of 60 years, Jerry; son, Bradley (Kristi) Ketchum of Manchester, Lee Ann (Joel See) Ketchum of Pleasantville, and Jonathan (Kathy) Ketchum of Mason City; grandchildren, Nick (Rachel) Ketchum, Chris (Maria) Ketchum, Carlee (Aaron) Demmer, Cody (Lillian) Poling, Tiffany (Andrew) Starr, Matthew Ketchum Rowley, Samantha Bills, Dalton Biddick, and Makaila Hook; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Cathy Erakovich of Arlington, TX; brothers-in-law, Mike Winters and Denton Galloway; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Carla Winters, Judy Galloway and Jim (Carol) Evans.
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