Janet "Kaye" Ketcham

In Loving Memory of Janet "Kaye" (Hutchison) Ketcham

Janet "Kaye" Ketcham (nee Hutchison), born December 8, 1948, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, surrounded by family and love. Kaye was the embodiment of kindness, faith, and grace.

She was a deeply devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. To know Kaye was to be heard, supported, and loved. Her gentle nature, warm spirit, and ability to listen with her whole heart left a mark on everyone she encountered. Kaye was a woman of strong faith and found beauty in God's creation - especially through her love of flowers and butterflies. In truth, butterflies captured her heart even more than her gardens.

Kaye graduated from Norton High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from The University of Akron. She took classes during her lunch breaks and in the evenings - a true testament to her determination and work ethic. Eventually, she was able to retire from The University of Akron, where she had dedicated many years of service.

She spent her later years enjoying special trips and adventures, always cherishing the time she had with her family. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by those she loved most. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life and the center of her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents David and Vivian Hutchison Sr, her infant sister Connie Ruth, her brother-in-law Roger Wilhelm, and her grandson, Erixin Ketcham.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 58 years, Ernest Ketcham Jr; her children Connie (Brian) Charles, Mark (Emilie) Ketcham, and John (Christina) Pattakos; her grandchildren Crystal (Rob) McFarland, Jeremy Olsen, Evanston and Ellesyn Ketcham; and her great-grandchildren Declan, Mace, and Callie McFarland, who brought her immense pride and joy.

Kaye is also survived by her brother David (Vicky) Hutchison, brother-in-law Tom (Ruth) Ketcham, sisters-in-law Cathy Wilhelm and Christine (David) Croft, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Kaye's legacy is one of love, grace, and quiet strength. She will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family and to God, and for the countless lives she touched with her kindness and warmth.

Funeral Service, officiated by the Hon. Judge Todd McKenney, will be held 12 P.M. MONDAY July 28th at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road. Friends and family may call from 10 A.M. until the start of the funeral service. Interment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Services entrusted to the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)