Lifetime Plymouth resident Dollie Mae Ketcham, 96, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side on Saturday morning May 28, 2022.
Born in Plymouth, Indiana on November 1, 1925, Dollie was the daughter of Evert and Goldia (Gross) Samuels. She graduated from West High School with the class of 1942.
On December 25,1942 in Starke County, Indiana, Dollie married Richard E. Ketcham, the couple’s favorite holiday.
She was a loving housewife and mother for many years and in her later years, drove for JJR until her retirement in 1981. She was a self-taught pianist and played for the Eagle Creek Church in Knox for over 20 years.
In her later years, her missions in life included: quilting and donating them to anyone in need, baking pies and sharing them with anyone, and making pet blankets and donating them to various veterinary offices. Again, Richard and Dollie were obsessed with Christmas and turned into elves during the season, listening to Christmas music, hanging lights and decorating the whole house. She was also a collector of seasonal villages that she would change throughout the year and lighthouses.
Dollie is survived by her children: Nancy (Keith) Harbaugh of Plymouth, Marcia Allen of Bremen, and Lon (Nancy) Ketcham of Gardnerville, NV; daughter-in-law, Julie Ketcham of LaPorte; 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters: Ruby Whiteman and Cleo (Glen Jr.) Berger.
She was preceded in death by her husband Richard in 2009; her son John in 1975, son Larry in 2011 and daughter Della (Chuck) Watson in 2021; infant grandchildren: Tommy, Lucas, and Phoebe; her parents; sisters: Stella Hagle, LuLu Patterson, Ruth Murray, Wanda Samuels, Ethel Johnson and Velma Ottow; and brothers: Ernest, Albert, Tommie, John and Ira.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, from 11-12 p.m. at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. with Pastor Tim Lee officiating.
Burial will be in the Gross Cemetery, Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Marshall-Starke Development Center, 1901 PIDCO Drive, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Caryn Durski, Funeral Director
Janice Berger says
Dollie was a sweet, gentle soul who made everyone feel welcome in her home. She was loved beyond measure, and she will be greatly missed.
Janice Berger says
So sorry to hear of her passing. She was so special to me. She was deeply loved and and will be missed.
Terri Brandt says
I have only known Dollie for a few years and haven’t seen her in a couple months but I know she was a loving and generous woman. I will cherish the blanket she made me.
Robert & Donna Taber Whitmer says
Ruby & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss of sister Dollie. May she Rest In Peace.
Dorothy Ely says
Dear Marcia and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. May God surround you with His arms of comfort and fill your soul with peace. What a blessing to have had your sweet mother for so many years. I know you have many fond memories to cherish.
Love and Prayers,
Dorothy Riemenschneider Ely, West High Grad, 1965
Barb Lowry says
Ruby and family,
Sorry for the loss of your sister. Prayers for you and your family.
Our sympathy,
Barb & Bub Lowry
Gloria Worlow says
Iam so very sorry for your loss!! Dolly was a very nice neighbor!!❤️🙏🏻