Independent Enterprise
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Roberta Jeanne Ketchum, 68, of Payette, left this life on Wednesday, February 27, 2008. Graveside memorial services were held Monday, March 3, 2008 at Riverside Cemetery, Payette. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette.
Roberta Ketchum was born September 18, 1939 to Velma and Worth Carter in Chicago, Illinois. As a young child, Roberta moved to Nebraska with her family where she enjoyed a childhood of ranching. The rolling hills of Nebraska made an everlasting impact, as Roberta was always quick to refer to them as home.
Roberta and her family moved to Ontario, OR during her high school years. She later married Robie "Bud" Ketchum in 1958 and made their home in Payette. From this union came four children, Robyn, Kristine, Tim, and Tricia.
She led a busy life writing a column for a local newspaper and opening their home to many foster children. Roberta served on the Regional Board of Foster Parents of Idaho.
Roberta enjoyed writing poems and short stories. Her love of horses and kids demanded many hours and miles traveling to rodeos and 4-H events with her children. Roberta was very well known around the circuit and many lifetime friendships were developed.
Roberta loved a good family get-together, even going so far as to invent new holidays in hopes she could sneak in another family dinner. She loved the competition of a grueling board game, only as long as she was winning.
She is survived by her husband Bud Ketchum, daughter Robyn Wallace, son Tim Ketchum, daughter Tricia Ketchum, grandchildren Kassi Wallace, Casey and Kendra Ketchum, great granddaughter Jasi Yraguen, a brother Don Carter, sisters Linda Doser and Maria Carter.
Roberta was preceded in death by her parents Velma and Worth Carter, a daughter Kristine, a grandson Jason Wallace, nephews Danny Carter and Randy Carter, and her grandparents.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled Veteran’s of America, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, Idaho 83661.
The following is one of Mom’s poems:
I sit here staring at this blank page, staring back at me.
Wondering, should it be caustic or comedy?
Must it be about foreign places, or close to home?
Should it be or shouldn’t it be a rhyming poem?
As I sit here debating, one thing becomes clear.
I’m accomplishing nothing by dragging my rear.
As I pick up my pen, I know that I’m not-
Capable of much, when it’s so damn hot.