Grace Ketcham

Grace Ketcham, 87, was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland then journeyed on a freighter through the Panama Canal to Salem in 1953. While she lived in Salem most of her life, she never lost her love for Scotland. Her Scottish brogue was a delight. Grace's love for adventure and fun was endless. She will long be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and her love of birds and gardening. From her, her children inherited their love for animals. Throughout her life she was surrounded by a number of great friends and family. Our family was truly blessed by the friends she had in her life. Grace passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 19, 2017.

When Grace came to the United States she worked for Jenks-White Seed Company. She met her husband Leo in Salem and they were married in 1957. Grace worked for a bit, took time off to raise her children Patricia and Brian. She then returned to work at Western Bank and finished her career at Willamette University Bookstore. Grace loved her career and worked hard until her retirement. She was a wonderful role model and our hero.

Grace is survived by her son Brian, and his wife Chikako, daughter Patricia, and her partner Peggy, niece Diane Barker, and her neighborhood family Karen, Harlow, Linda, Dan, Marlene, Ray, and Doris. She was preceded in death by her husband Leo, and her sister Wilma Barker. Rest in Peace Mom and know that you were truly loved.

A celebration of life will be held at the Salem Golf Club, under the big tent at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday June 25th. Grace had a special request that her friends take someone to lunch in her memory. Donations can be made to the Salvation Army or Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB). Assisting the family is Restlawn Funeral Home.