Betty "June" Ketcham

Betty Ketcham passed away peacefully in Bend, OR on February 4, 2015. Betty was born June 8, 1921, in Buckley, WA, to George and Mary Wytko, who immigrated to the United States from what now is the Czech Republic. She was the seventh of nine children and grew up on their family farm.

After graduating from Buckley High School in 1939 Betty enrolled at the University of Washington. In 1942 she worked briefly for Boeing until her patriotism and courage inspired her to in enlist in the US Army. In 1944, as a WAC in the US Army Air Force, she was assigned to duty in Calcutta, India. She was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During this time, she briefly met a fellow UW Husky, Sergeant Robert C. (Bob) Ketcham. She later was transferred to an airbase in southwest China, where she served until the surrender of Japan.

In 1945, Betty received an Honorable Discharge, returned to Seattle and resumed her studies at the University of Washington. On the first day of registration and Veteran’s Orientation, Betty recognized Bob waiting in line and hoped he would notice her. Bob did and asked her out. All went well and Betty and Bob were married in June of 1947. They both graduated from the University of Washington, Betty earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1951. While living in Seattle, Betty gave birth to her son Stuart and daughter Elizabeth Ann (Libby). Betty was a devoted mother, a role she thoroughly enjoyed.

In 1961, the Ketcham family moved to Edmonds, WA. In 1965. Betty earned a Master of Arts in Education and embarked on a career as a teacher. She served as a substitute teacher in the Edmonds School District for several years, taught sixth grade and then found her niche as a junior high school reading teacher. She made sure that every student who passed through her class discovered the joys that could be found in reading.

Betty and Bob always shared a close partnership, as they built a life that revolved around family and friends, near and far. Bob passed away in 1986, several years later, Betty moved to Bend, OR, to be closer to Libby and her husband Brian. During her seven years in Bend she eagerly watched for snowfall during the high desert winters. Betty was an avid reader, enjoyed listening to classical music/opera and loved playing bridge.

All who knew Betty loved her optimism and pluck, can-do spirit, sense of humor, and devotion to family and friends. She is survived by her sister Barbara McCollum and brother David Wytko of Buckley, son Stuart Ketcham of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, daughter Libby Baker and son-in-law Brian Baker of Sunriver, OR.