Louise O. Ketcham

MARCH 12, 1911 - NOVEMBER 16, 2O11

Louise O. Ketcham, 100, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL passed away peacefully November 16, 2011. She was a volunteer with the Broward General Hospital Auxillary for 35 years, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Tri-Gate Chapter of Eastern Star, the Tarpon River Association and was honored with a key to the city during the centennial celebration of Ft. Lauderdale in 2011. She was honored by Gov. Rick Scott with a certificate of recognition for her involvement and civic contributions to her community. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Marion Ketcham and her daughter Dianne Heckenlively. Survivors include her two sons Bruce and Douglas (Lou) Ketcham, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A visitation will be Sunday from 1-2 p.m. with a 1:30 p.m. Eastern Star service at Fred Hunters Ft. Lauderdale Chapel, 718 S. Federal Highway, followed by a visitation from 2:30-3:30 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11 SW 11TH Street , Ft. Lauderdale where the funeral service will begin at 3:30 p.m. Interment next to her husband at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

As in life, Mom left this world with grace, loving spirit, and peace as she took her last breath on November 16, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. She was not in pain, just slept into a deep sleep as we looked on. Mom said her goodbyes to family and friends as she wished to, with an "I love you" to those she saw and wanted to say goodbye to. There will never be another Louise O. Ketcham. She is now in God's hands. Mom, may you rest in peace on your journey to heaven. The ones left behind will miss you but we also know you are in a better place.