Robert Ketcham

September 9, 1932 – March 16, 2018

Robert D. “Bob” Ketcham, 85 of Moses Lake left this life Friday, March 16 in Wenatchee, Wash. from complications following surgery. Born to George and Ella Ketcham on September 9, 1932 in Cobleskill, N.Y., he was the oldest of six children.

Bob entered the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He honorably served his country for 22 years and then retired at the rank of sergeant major in 1972. He was one of few to ever reach sergeant major Major so young. During his extensive career in the military he served one tour of duty in Korea, and two tours of duty in Vietnam. He also served with the 75th Ranger Regiment. Highly decorated, Bob was awarded the Silver Star, two Army Commendation Medals, three Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts.

In 1954 as a young soldier stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, Bob met Sara (Salli) Porter from Puyallup and they were married in 1955. Over the years they lived in multiple U.S. locations and in Germany all while raising their three girls. Wherever they were stationed, Bob and family explored the surrounding areas with camping gear on board. After retirement from the Army Bob worked in Puyallup as a security officer for a short time, and then for Newell Hunt Furniture.

Sports were always a part of Bob’s world and his TV was often tuned into games. As a younger man, he participated on the Army’s volleyball team, and family gatherings usually included a volleyball match. Bob also umpired local baseball games in Puyallup for several years.

In 1986 Bob married Sharon (Sherry) Johnson. Sherry had five children. The newlyweds moved to Moses Lake, and after many years they became hosts in the National Forest Service Camp Host program. They lived in nature’s beauty in their motorhome for years and then planned to move back to Moses Lake to retire and spend time with family. Life took a devastating turn when Sherry was diagnosed with cancer. Bob lovingly became her caretaker. Sherry fought a very courageous battle, but passed away in 2010.

Bob’s last few years were spent alongside his constant friend Evy and his adored dog, Precious. When Evy and Bob moved to assisted living, they moved right next door to each other. In time Evy needed extra care and Bob selflessly stepped up.

Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife Sherry Ketcham, his sisters Mary, Dottie and Betty and his brothers Donald and Ralph. He is survived by his daughters Karen McConaghy (Dick), Kathleen Yencich (Joe) and Stacey McKillip; three grandchildren; stepdaughters Laurie Newman (Scott), Kimberly Gonzalez (Mike), Juliana Wild and Susan Williams; stepson Jeffrey Berry (Pat), 16 step-grandchildren and 14 step-great-grandchildren.

A special thank-you goes to Bob’s dear friend Martin who provided generous help to him this last year as he dealt with medical difficulties, and also to Sandy, Evy’s loving daughter.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on April 7, 2018 at the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy Ave. Interment will be at the Tahoma National Cemetery.