With joyful memories, we gather to honor the life and legacy of our beloved Chris, who departed this world to join our Heavenly Father on April 6, 2024. All who had the privilege of knowing Chris will remember her as a woman who devoted her life to serving others with boundless love, zest for life, a witty sense of humor, and great compassion. Her selflessness and unwavering dedication to those she held dear were a testament to her servant's heart, a heart that overflowed with love and generosity towards all who crossed her path.
Throughout her journey, Chris exemplified her Catholic faith while simultaneously organizing joyful chaos as a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished Mammie, supportive sister, caring aunt, and loyal friend with grace and humility. She radiated joy and gratitude to anyone in her presence and would engage with strangers and make friends everywhere she went, often to the amusement or humiliation of her children.
As a wife, Chris shared a beautiful love story with her spouse, Mike, with unwavering devotion and unconditional love. They met in college while Chris was attending Saint Mary’s and Mike was at Notre Dame. As the story goes, Christy asked if she could touch Mike’s 1970s-era facial scuff (probably fueled by a few ales at the Senior Bar) ….and the rest was history. They were married at Christ the King Catholic Church in Denver, Colorado on June 15, 1974, exiting the church to the melody of the Notre Dame Victory March. Together, they managed to raise four children who, despite all odds, turned out ok. Chris went above and beyond to create a home that welcomed all - where laughter echoed through the halls and memories were woven into the fabric of family bonds that will endure for eternity.
As Mammie, Chris delighted in showering her grandchildren with affection and wisdom, imparting to them the invaluable lessons of love, faith, resilience, and the lyrics to Jose Cuervo. She had special nicknames for each one of her seven grandchildren and shared a unique bond with each of them.
As a sister, Chris was an unwavering source of support and encouragement for her siblings, standing by their side through life's triumphs and tribulations. Whether that meant serving on the board of the family business or supporting her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children, Chris strived to keep the family joyfully connected.
As a friend, Chris was both the trusted confidant as well as the life of the party. Without judgment, she lifted their spirits with a simple how ya doin? Or “I was just thinking about...” and she offered encouragement that seemed to lighten the load. Our family vacations were infamous for skirting trouble whether we were cramming five families into the Breck cabin or beaching it in Mexico and loading too many people into three Volkswagen convertibles to tour an island. Like “I Love Lucy,” she always had a smile and a great idea bubbling that would translate into trouble that you never wanted to miss.
As God’s servant, Chris spent her life volunteering in various roles. Most notably, Chris was a CASA advocate for abused and neglected children who needed representation in the family court system of El Paso County for five years. She moved on to serve Pikes Peak Hospice as a volunteer at the Inpatient Unit at Penrose Hospital where she compassionately supported patients and their families near end of life for over twenty years. Most recently, Chris was training to become an Ima for Mater Filius - a home for mothers and their babies after an unexpected pregnancy. Her role would have entailed teaching new moms how to be great moms – a role she was clearly designed for.
Though she may no longer walk among us, the memories of the time we spent with her will no doubt bring a smile to our faces. Let us honor her memory by striving each day to serve others with joy and love. There is always a reason to find something to laugh about, whatever the situation may be. In lieu of flowers, Chris would have preferred donations to Pikes Peak Hospice, Mater Felius Colorado Springs, or the Wellspring Community (wearewellspring.org).
A funeral mass will be held at Saint Francis of Assisi (2650 Parish View, Colorado Springs, CO), proceeded by a rosary on 04/29/2024 at 10:30. A reception and celebration will follow beginning at 1:00 at ViewHouse (7114 Campus Drive, Colorado Springs, CO).
The burial mass may be live-streamed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQdH7jh4guQ
With love and laughter,
The Ketterhagen Family
Mike Ketterhagen
William Ketterhagen and Megan Mast
Jessica Ketterhagen and Michael, Mackenzie, and Max Kurko
Kevin, Michele, and Olivia Ketterhagen
Liz, Morgan, Izzy, Charlie, and Finn Cey
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