Helen Louise Ketchum

Helen was born on July 10, 1925 in South Pasadena, California to Bennie and Hope Furlow. She married Donald Ketchum, also of South Pasadena, and moved to Ontario, California and later to Upland California where Helen and Don raised their four children. When her children were young, Helen was active as a Cub Scout leader, Girl Scout leader, and Superintendent of Sunday school at the First United Methodist Church in Ontario, California. Helen received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Pitzer College in Claremont, California and worked as Registrar at Scripps College until her retirement in 1987. What Helen loved most about her position as Registrar was working with young college students. In retirement, Helen and Don moved to Claremont Manor Retirement Community where Helen was a very active volunteer docent at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont. As a volunteer docent, she enjoyed giving tours to children and marching in the Claremont 4th of July parade with other Garden Volunteers. She retired from volunteering at the Claremont Botanic Garden after 20 plus years of service with the special honor of Nature Interpreter Emerita. In 2009, Helen and Don moved to Luther Park Senior Living in Sandpoint, Idaho. Throughout her life Helen was very involved with the First United Methodist Church in Southern California and Sandpoint, Idaho. In addition to gardening, Helen loved dancing, music, traveling with her husband Don and spending time with her family and friends. She was always singing and skipping along life’s path. Helen is survived by her husband of 69 years, Donald, her four children and their spouses Ken (Randie) Ketchum of Seattle Washington, Kathy (Gay) Ketchum of Sherman Oaks California, Jeff (Linda) Ketchum of Colton California, Julie (Steve) Case of Sagle Idaho, 12 Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Marshall and Judy Ketchum and their 3 children. There will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, 1500 N College Ave, Claremont, CA 91711 (909) 625-8767.