Joan J. Ketchen, 84, passed peacefully Friday, March 23, 2007, at Calais Regional Hospital, after a brief illness. Joan was born April 5, 1922, in Redwood Falls, Minn., daughter of the late Ned and Ella (Yaekel) Dripps. She married Edward P. Ketchen, June 17, 1945, in Riverside, Calif. Joan graduated from Santa Barbara College with a degree in education. She taught school for two years in California and later taught third grade at Woodland Elementary School, for more than 20 years. Joan was a faithful member of Meddybemps Christian Church, where she served as treasurer. Additionally she served as Meddybemps Town Clerk for many years. Joan enjoyed spending time with her family, baking, knitting, crocheting, sewing and reading. Surviving are her loving husband of more than 61 years, Edward; four children, Sue Ouellette and husband, Al, of Colbert, Wash., Mark Ketchen and wife, Kathy, of Hadley, Mass., Sally Ketchen of Meddybemps and Diane Ketchen of Anchorage, Alaska; a sister, Lois Starr and husband, Ray, of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; a brother, William Dripps and wife, Rosella, of Laurel, Miss.; five grandchildren, eight great-grand-children, nieces and nephews. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be after at Meddybemps Cemetery. Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to Meddybemps Christian Church. Friends may pay tribute at www.maysfuneralhome.com
JOAN J. KETCHEN
