Patsy Allene Ketchum

Patsy Allene Ketchum, age 89, graduated to heaven on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

Pat was the oldest of 3 daughters born to Blain and Vivian Nix in Fort Worth, Tx. As a young child, Pat attended Everman schools. The family later moved to California where she attended high school, pursuing her love of journalism. After graduating from Horizon High School, Pat immediately came back to Texas, where she reconnected with many of her friends. 

Patsy attended the Everman United Methodist church. It was there that she was approached one day by Mrs. Ruby Ketchum who asked if Pat would mind writing to her son, J.R., who was in the army and fighting in Korea. Although J.R. was 3 years older than Pat, they had been friends in grade school in years past. Mrs. Ketchum wanted her brave son to have support from friends at home. Patsy was happy to take on the role as pen pal (remember, she loved to write!). The pen pal and the soldier fell in love through letters and when the soldier came home from war, he married the pen pal. Pat and J.R. were married 3 months shy of 64 years before his death in February, 2018. 

Throughout the 70s & 80s, Patsy worked as an assistant to Dr Wallace Schmuck, DDS and then as an assistant and office manager for Dr. James Marr, MD, both in Everman. She loved serving people and the community of Everman came to depend on her kindness and compassion when they were in need of medical care.

Pat Ketchum was a great cook, a mom to all the neighborhood kids, a competitive card game player, and a creative Sunday School teacher. She loved music, rib-eye steak cooked rare, painting, quilting, crossword puzzles and a cold Dr. Pepper. She was quick witted and naturally funny, always bringing a crowd to laughter with little effort. She was highly intelligent, a gifted wordsmith, and an avid reader of books.  

Patsy Ketchum loved her Lord Jesus and served Him faithfully. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of service and faith to the family that she so deeply loved. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal aunt, cousin & friend.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse “J.R.” Ketchum, son, Bradley Blain Ketchum, and sister, June Heffner. She is survived by her sister, Carol Squire; son, Scott Ketchum and wife, Carol; son, Ross Ketchum; and one daughter, Keli Terrell and husband, Donny. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. 

Viewing will take place Friday evening, February 2^nd, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Williams & Lucas Funeral Home, 517 N. Sylvania, Fort Worth. Graveside service Saturday, February 3^rd, 11:00 am at Everman Cemetery, 834 E. Enon Ave., Everman.