Carmen Ketchum

Carmen Antoinette Ketchum was born on the 17th of December 1934 in Aurora, Colorado to Lloyd Melford Chirnside and Jeanne Alberta Ashen. She lived in the Denver, Colorado area, except for a short time in New Orleans. She played the flute in her high school band and graduated in 1952. She attended Colorado A&M, now Colorado State University, majoring in Home Economics. She later changed to Music Education after dating her husband who was also majoring in Music Education. Carmen and Stanley Watson Ketchum were married September 11, 1955 in the chapel on the A&M campus. She graduated in 1956. Carmen and Stan spent the summer in Cody, Wyoming with Stan's parents then moved to Wray, Colorado where they lived until 1969. Carmen got her masters degree in Elementary Education and taught in Idalia, Colorado, a small school south of Wray. In 1969, they moved to Longmont, Colorado where she taught until retiring in 1989. She loved to backpack in the Colorado mountains. She didn't fish like the rest of the family, but loved to be out and commune with nature. She made Stan do the cooking of all the fish while there. She lived in Longmont until 1999 when they moved to Placitas, New Mexico area. She loved to travel, it didn't matter when or where, just go and explore. Carmen was active in her church and held many callings, Relief Society President, primary teacher, ward missionary and others. She was a long time Temple worker beginning a month after the LDS Albuquerque temple opened and serving until the time of her passing. In June she went to California for a granddaughter's high school graduation. While returning she contracted an eye infection. It is thought that this infection may have developed into Viral Encephalitis which took her life. She was taken to the emergency room on Thursday, June 19 and after a difficult trial; she passed away on June 26, 2014. She was a caring person who always strived to be a friend. She loved to help and support anyone in need. She will be sorely missed by all. Carmen is survived by her husband, Stanley; her children, Linda Nannette, Debra Collette, deceased, and Daniel Watson; her sister, Jackie Broughton; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Carmen's name to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness; www.celiaccentral.org