L. Rose Ketcham

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L. Rose Ketcham, 94, Marion, died at 9:35 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, in her residence. She was born in Muncie to the late George W. and Edith Marian (Parker) Oelslager. On September 6, 1941, Rose married Herald “Frank” Franklin Ketcham, and he preceded her in death on February 13, 2011.

Rose was the bookkeeper for the Frank Ketcham Real Estate and had worked in various family businesses throughout their 69 years of marriage. She also worked at Warner Gear during WWII building tanks.

Rose was a member of College Wesleyan Church, past member of the Marion Lion’s Club, Gideon’s International, and Girl Scouts USA. She was also a member of the Women’s Bowling Association, as well as the Women’s Bowling Assoc. Hall of Fame and the Indiana State Women’s Bowler’s Hall of Fame. She enjoyed needlework, traveling, putting together photo albums and playing cards. Rose loved her children, grandchildren, exchange students, and foster children with all of her heart and loved to spend time with them. Rose and Frank’s wholehearted support made it possible for their children to become successful and productive adults. She were very devout in her faith and stayed active in their church, as well as with Gideon’s International.

Survivors include her daughter, Wendy (Tom) Sharkey, Chicago, IL; son, Chase (Cindy) Ketcham, Marion; grandchildren, Stephanie (Josh) Webster, Timothy Crenshaw, Hannah Crenshaw, Erin Sharkey, Jeremy (Kimmie Davis) Ketcham, Jennifer (Nathan) Pavlack, Stacie (Chris) Higgins, Neil (Jessica) Ketcham, Andrew (Leanne) Ketcham, and Jillian Ketcham; 9 great-grandchildren, Kyleigh, Samantha, Jonathan, Madelynn, Jeffrey, Olivia, Zachary, Aidan, and Addelyn; sister, Martha Jones; brother, Donald (Monica) Norman; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Rose was preceded in death by her son, Jeff Ketcham; granddaughter, Rachel Sharkey; brother, Bud (Julia) Oelslager; infant sister, Naomi; and brother-in-law, Stuart Jones.

The family will receive visitors from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

A funeral service for Rose will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, with Leanne Ketcham officiating. A private burial will be held at Grant Memorial Park, Marion.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s International, PO Box 3132, Marion, IN 46953 or https://www.gideons.org/HowYouCanHelp/generaldonations.aspx

Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.

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