Marita B. Ketchen

Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Arthur M. Ballard and Eleanor Hirsch Ballard. She was a graduate of the Baptist Hospital Nursing School and devoted 42 years to her nursing career. Marita worked as a registered nurse at Baptist Hospital, SC State Hospital, Providence Hospital, and the VA Hospital before retiring. She especially enjoyed the life-long friendships made in the Nurse Training Program. She was a member of Shandon Presbyterian Church. In her spare time, she loved playing golf, ballroom dancing, and traveling. Marita was a lifelong animal lover and doted on the many pets she owned throughout her life.

Surviving are her sons, Tommy Ketchen (Dorothy) of Columbia, SC, Charles Ketchen (Carol) of Spartanburg, SC, and Frank Ketchen of Columbia, SC; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, Kay Taraschi (Peter) of Winter Park, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Thomas W. Ketchen; her second husband, Warren Bussard; brother, Michael Ballard; and sister, Salley Hill.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, with burial in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com