Kenneth Ketchum

Kenneth Ketchum, of Richland, Wash., passed away on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at age 97. His dementia and recent bout with pneumonia took a toll on his aged body.

Kenneth had requested that no services be held.

Kenny was a strong man, husband, father, and grandfather. He grew up on the homestead his father acquired in 1917 in eastern Montana. He was 10th out of 13 children born to Earl and Vera Ketchum.

He was a rancher for 30 years, then moved a bit in Montana and was a gas lineman for MDU in northern Montana for 30 years. In retirement he moved to Washington to be closer to his kids and took a new job as a maintenance janitor at a large apartment complex for another 25 years. He was not an idle person and did many of his own home repair and remodeling.

He enjoyed being a booster and spectator at his kids and grandkids sporting events. He and his wife enjoyed dancing with the Boots N Bells square dancing club. In Montana he enjoyed family friendships with Kenny and Sharon Thompson, Pat and Kay Hanley, and Edie and DuWayne Johnson. He was always looking forward to the annual calf brandings at the Johnsons farm, chopping corn and many Thanksgivings in Hinsdale.

In Washington, he made friends easily, and enjoyed potlucks each month at Apollo Hall in the trailer park they lived in.

He and his wife MaryAnn had five children, Ileen, Neil, MaryLou, Judy and Earl. His wife and two daughters preceded him in passing. He is survived by his daughter and two sons as well as 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

His grandson Tyler Ramos and daughter Ileen cared for him these past several years as his dementia progressed. We are grateful to all the people who have helped us in this journey.

Friends and family are welcome to share memories at http://www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.