Mary Beth Ketcham

Mary Beth Ketcham, precious wife, mother, and Nan, graduated to her heavenly home on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the age of 76. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, with Reverend Billy Crosby officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and service at 12:00 p.m. at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Southside Chapel in Shreveport, Louisiana. Beth will be laid to rest in Forest Park West Cemetery following the service. 

Born on June 19, 1948, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Beth was a long-time resident of Benton. She and her husband of 57 years, Ronald Glenn Ketcham, married on July 29, 1967. In a testament to her determination and love of learning, Beth attended college 20 years after high school and graduated with her B.S. in marketing and finance. She soon became a financial planner and served as manager in this role in Shreveport, Louisiana, for many years. Beth cherished her many trips to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where she found joy in the beauty of the mountains and being surrounded by what she called “God's country.” Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family and creating countless memories filled with laughter, love and fun. Beth loved hosting friends and family at her home, especially on their boat dock, where she welcomed everyone with open arms and a warm smile. Her kindness, hospitality, and love for life’s simple pleasures impacted all who knew her. 

A devoted Christian who lived her faith out daily with grace, Beth’s life was a testimony to the power of prayer, the importance of kindness, and the joy found in serving others. She was an incredible example of a Christ-centered woman, showing compassion and love to everyone she met. She loved studying scripture and sharing the word of God with her family and friends, always striving to reflect God's love in her daily life. Her prayers were a source of strength and comfort for her loved ones and her unwavering belief in God's promises inspired all who knew her. 

Beth had a special fondness for the number 7 as a symbol of completeness and perfection that resonated deeply within her. The number 7 resembled the perfect number in the Bible: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, in which He covers all directions; north, south, east and west. It feels fitting that her funeral, a celebration of her beautiful life, will take place on the 17th. 

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Redus Knight; and her brother, Ernest Knight, Jr. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Glenn Ketcham, of Benton, Louisiana; her daughter, Kristin Ketcham Caddell and husband, Tim of Boerne, Texas; daughter, Jennifer Ketcham McKay and husband, Sean of Benton, Louisiana; her four grandchildren, Callie Elizabeth McKay, Carter Sean McKay, Claire Grace Caddell, and Elizabeth (Ellie) Anne Caddell; and a host of extended family members, including nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom held a special place in her heart. 

Pallbearers include Sean McKay, Carter McKay, Tim Caddell, Jarred Hicks, Anthony Hawn, and Bob Petrus. Honorary pallbearers include Mike Ketcham, Hal Hughes, and Jimmy Martinez. 

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Bossier City firemen and EMS team; the doctors, nurses and staff at Willis-Knighton Bossier Hospital; and the many friends and family members for every prayer offered up for Beth and her family, as well as every act of kindness. 

Beth found great comfort in her favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” This scripture guided her through life, reflecting her unwavering faith and trust in God's promises and she said it often to her family. She will be missed beyond measure. 

In lieu of flowers, friends and family are invited to honor Beth’s memory by donating to the Samaritan's Purse International Relief, as this was near and dear to her heart.