Frances Louise Ketchum

Fran was born on April 29, 1927, in Seattle, Washington, to Frank Anthony Nigro and Dorothy Louise Apolonia Nigro. She was raised above Lake Washington alongside her younger brother, Frank Louis Nigro, and younger sister, Antonia Angela Nigro. During her high school years, her family relocated to Port Angeles, Washington, when her father purchased an optometry office on 1st Street. It was there that Fran developed a deep love for the water, spending cherished time at her family’s cabin on Lake Crescent.

While attending Roosevelt High School, Fran met John William Ketchum, known as “Jack.” Their love story began with letters exchanged while Jack served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his return in July 1946, the two began courting and were married on June 12, 1948, beginning a devoted partnership that would span decades.

Together, Fran and Jack built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and friendship. They raised nine children: Dorothy Ketchum (Joe) of Aberdeen, Judith Meuchel (Al) of Chehalis, John Ketchum III (Marlene) of Port Angeles, Victoria Roth (Derald) of Napavine, Anthony Ketchum (Gloria) of Chehalis, Michael Ketchum (Vickie) of Puyallup, Mary Ketchum May of Centralia, Robert Ketchum (Kerstin) of Centralia, and Gerald Ketchum (Robert) of Redmond. Saturday nights were often spent playing Pinochle with dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Slowey, creating traditions filled with laughter and connection.

In 1971, the family moved to Chehalis, Washington, where Fran became a pillar of the St. Joseph Parish community. Deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, she generously gave her time and talents—serving as a lector, preparing meals for priests and seminarians, and dedicating countless hours to the Parish Women’s Association. Her service and compassion were recognized when she was named Woman of the Year at St. Joseph Church.

Fran expressed her love most beautifully through cooking and baking. She was famous for her cinnamon rolls, Bolognese sauce, and handmade ravioli. Family and friends were often the grateful recipients of her sugar cookies, Christmas pastries, and beloved “bunny bread” at Easter. Her cinnamon rolls were so exceptional that they were once featured in The Chronicle.

Fran’s legacy lives on through her large and loving family, including 23 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings; her beloved husband, Jack; and four grandsons, William Last, William Roth, Charles May, and Anthony Ketchum Jr.

A Viewing will be held at Sticklin Funeral Home on April 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at St. Joseph Church on April 8th at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church on April 9th at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the school hall. Interment will take place at Mount Angeles Memorial Park in Port Angeles on April 10th at 1:00 p.m.

Fran will be missed immensely by the family she leaves behind, but there is comfort in knowing she is reunited with those who have gone before her and is at peace with God.