Obituary for Karen Kay Ketchem

Karen Kay Ketchem, 68, of Indianola, passed away at her home on May 6, 2017 after a 14 ½ year battle with cancer.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Indianola, with a memorial service to follow starting at 11:00 a.m.  Private family inurnment will take place at a later date in Chariton.  Local arrangements entrusted to Iowa Cremation – Waukee.

Karen leaves behind her sisters, Meredith Alexander (Eugene) of Carrollton, MO and Anita Briggs (Dennis) of Chariton, 7 nieces and nephews and 19 great nieces and nephews who all fondly called her “Aunt Shorty”; her sister in law, Betty Ketchem of Raceland, LA; and her step mother, Evely Wright of Indianola.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and her brothers, Stanley and Martin.

Karen grew up in Williamson, Iowa and moved to Missouri after her junior year.  She graduated from Chillicothe High School.  Karen worked in a garment factory, a floral shop and Genesis.  In 1976, she joined the Iowa Air National Guard and was a payroll supervisor.  She served the Guard for over 27 ½ years, retiring with the rank of Senior Master Seargent. 

She was an animal lover and especially loved dogs.  She also enjoyed working in her yard and flower beds as well as many trips and activities with family and friends.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Karen’s honor may be directed to the Indianola American Legion Post # 163 or to the John Stoddard Cancer Center.