June 14, 2013
Date of Service: June 18, 2013
Interment Location: Southview Section
Betty Jo Ketchem, age 76, of Elizabethton, passed away Friday, June 14, 2013, at the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital following a brief illness. A native of Whaley, NC, she was the daughter of the late John M. and Zora Church Estep. She was a member of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church, but attended South Side Christian Church. She was a retired employee of Inland Container after 43 years of service. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Aven G. Ketchem; an infant daughter, Andrea K. Ketchem; two sisters; and three brothers. Survivors include her husband, John Whitehead, of the home; son, Richard Ketchem and his wife, Katie, Elizabethton; four nieces, Linda Rinker, and her husband, Troy, of Arkansas, Janice Jenkins and her husband, Fred, of Florida, Debbie Garland, Elizabethton, Sandra Grindstaff, of Butler; three nephews, Jim Hickman, Michigan, Al Estep, Utah, Tommy Patterson and his wife, Judy, Kingsport; two step-sons, Keith Whitehead and his wife, Susan, Elizabethton, Tony Whitehead and his wife, Jodie, of Florida; one step-daughter, Shannon Whitehead, Elizabethton; four step-grandchildren; and two step great grandchildren. The funeral service for Mrs. Betty Jo Ketchem will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. Monday, June 17, 2013, in the Riverside Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Mr. Mike Koruschak, Minister, and Rev. Bobby Stout officiating. Music will be under the direction of No Name But His. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel on Monday from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. prior to the service. Friends may also call at the residence at other times. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 18, 2013, in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Duane Potter, Tucker Kardos, Nick Britt, Chris Julian, Gary Simerly and Danny Simerly. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Pearson and Members of South Side Christian Church. Those who wish to attend the graveside service are ask to meet at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 18, at 12:15 P.M. to go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter, 136 South Sycamore Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Ketchum family. Office 423-542-2232, Obituary Line 423-543-4917
