Norene Ketcherside

Norene A. Catron Ketcherside, 70, of McPherson, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2009, at Memorial Hospital, McPherson.

She was born on August 22, 1938, in Topeka, KS, the daughter of Donald and Twila (Flickinger) Catron. Norene taught elementary school in Topeka, KS and McPherson, KS for a total of 35 years, retiring from McPherson U.S.D. 418 in 1998. She was a dedicated & loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Norene received her Bachelor of Education Degree from Washburn University in Topeka, KS in 1960. She graduated Cum Laude with Department honors and was a MacVicar Scholar. She received her Master of Education Degree in 1966 from Washburn University and was a Stoffer Scholar. Norene received other honors including Master Teacher, Teacher of the Year, and member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Honor Society for over 25 years. Norene was a member of the McPherson Church of Christ. She was a past Board Member of the McPherson Family Life Center.

On June 26, 1959, Norene was united in marriage to James L. Ketcherside in Topeka, KS. The family was blessed to celebrate an early 50th wedding anniversary this past March.

Survivors include: her husband, James of the home; son, Kirk Ketcherside and wife, Hala, and their two children, Yasmeen and Samira of Cypress, Texas; daughter, Jamie Ogden and husband, Charles, and their son, Chase Ogden, of Andover, KS and step-children, Josh Ogden and wife, Shawn, of Augusta, KS and Elizabeth Ogden of Shawnee, KS; son, Kasey Ketcherside and wife, Lanie, and their daughters, Avery and Jordan, and son, Dawson, of Fargo, ND; sisters, Bonnie Renfro and husband, Charles, of Tucson, AZ and Nadine Gilbert of Topeka, KS; brothers, Benny of Meriden, KS, Donald, Jr. and wife, Wanda, of Topeka, KS, Harley and wife, Almira, of Topeka, KS, and Charley and wife, Donna, of Topeka, KS; many nieces & nephews; and hundreds of school children whose lives she has touched and who meant so very much to her.

Norene loved the desert southwest, painting, tennis, reading, and spending time with her six grandchildren. She enjoyed having her granddaughters over for dress up and formal tea parties in her flower garden and attending her grandson's sporting events.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at 4:00 PM at Countryside Covenant Church, McPherson with Glen Elliott officiating. A private burial will precede the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the McPherson Church of Christ Scholarship & Charitable Trust, U.S.D. 418 Art Restoration Project, or the McPherson Museum in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Norene Ketcherside please visit our Sympathy Store.