of Little Rock, AR
April 24, 1946 - April 24, 2017
"The higher the hair, the closer to God." Well, it couldn't be any higher today.
After living a life filled with love and grace, Meryl Ann Mathews Ketcham went to be with the Lord on her birthday, Monday, April 24, 2017. Affectionately known as "Nani" to all of her grandchildren, she loved life and others passionately. She lavished her gift of service on others at every opportunity, often at her own expense. Happily married to John Ketcham for over 50 years, she had four children and nine grandchildren.
Born April 24, 1946 in Jamestown, New York to Robert "Bob" Pownall Mathews and Shirley Anderson Mathews, she graduated from Annapolis High School in Annapolis, Maryland in 1964. She married John in Runnemede, New Jersey in October of 1966 and moved to Arkansas in the summer of 1978. She was a caring hair stylist her entire life, rarely raising prices and offering her services to many in need. She loved her Geyer Springs First Baptist Church family, actively singing in the choir and routinely helping with special events. She could always be counted on to lend a helping hand.
She is predeceased by her father, Robert P. Mathews; her daughter, Michelle Kristine Ketcham and her granddaughter, Annika Brynne Ketcham. She is survived by her mother, Shirley Anderson Mathews, of Greer, South Carolina; her husband, John Ketcham, of Bryant; her sister, Sandra Davis, of Greer, South Carolina; three children: Matt Ketcham and his wife, Julie Llewellyn Ketcham of Fort Smith; Jacqui Ketcham Lundy and her husband, Brian Lundy, of Fort Worth, Texas; and Joie Ketcham, of Bryant and eight grandchildren, Carlson Ketcham, Astrid Ketcham, Jameson Ketcham, Jaden Lundy, Brayton Lundy, Nathan Lundy, Joshua Ketcham, and Theo Ketcham.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 6pm-8pm at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, 12400 I-30, Little Rock, Arkansas 72210. The memorial service will be held Friday, April 28, 2017 at 1pm at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The CALL, an adoption and foster care organization in Arkansas: http://thecallinarkansas.org/.
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27 Condolence(s)
Georgianna and Johnnie Oldham
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Your family is in my prayers. So sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing you will see her again.
Lisa Cushing
Friday, April 28, 2017
Dear Ketcham Family,
Meryl was always so sweet and encouraging to me when I would see her at the salon. She was beautiful inside and out. I will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa Cushing
Heather Terrell
Friday, April 28, 2017
Jacqui - you and your family are certainly in my prayers. I remember your mother fondly. Thankful for the promise we have that you will be reunited with her again!
Dianna and John Dougan
Friday, April 28, 2017
Sorry for loss you are in our thoughts and prayers
Judy Furnish
Thursday, April 27, 2017
I remember Meryl as being Jacki's mom and stylist. I taught Jackie in the sixth grade at Chicot El when it was a county school. Jackie brought chocolate chip cookies to the class one day made by her mom. They were pretty good! I would see Meryl from time to time when I got my hair cut at her shop. She always had a smile for all. I pray peace of her for all.
Ken raspberry
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Always loved this little lady. Going to miss her so much.
Linda (Bass) Mobley
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Such a beautiful lady...so full of compassion and grace! When my mom's health declined to the point where she could no longer make it to the salon, Meryl packed up her tools and went to Mom's apartment to be sure she got her cut and shampoo every month. She wanted to do it for free but we overrode her (if you can imagine that is possible...ha ha!) She and her beautiful smile will be dearly missed. Praying for the precious Ketcham family.
Roy Cannon
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
She has cut Billy's hair for years. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Ronnie and Linda Duncan
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Meryl was and will always be special to us. We first met at church and then became lifelong friends. She loved the Lord and always was a hoot to be around. She could make you laugh and always let you know how special you were to her. I can see her singing in that heavenly choir trying to be a little taller. I will miss my friend and pray for her precious family that meant the world to her. RIP my sweet Meryl.
Pam Raspberry
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Oh, how we will miss Meryl!! She was one-of-a-kind!! What a blessing it was to know her!
Debbie Redmon
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
I met Meryl in the Choir at GSFBC. She was one of a kind! Such a friendly, sweet lady with a ready smile. Her concern for others was unmatched. I know she will be missed by so many. Praying for you all during this time.
Jackie Linzy
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
John, So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and all Meryl's family and friends. May God surround with his love, comfort you with His Sweet Holy Spirit, and give you peace.
Brad Watkins
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
John and family. You have our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. We're praying that God's peace will envelope you with the knowledge that she is in His loving arms.
FRAN MARSHALL
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
My friend left this earth and now she flies high with all her relatives and friends in Heaven. She left me with so many wonderful memories that puts a smile on my face . I love you guys and I loved your Mom .
John Casey, Jnr.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Mr. John,
So sorry for your loss and our loss as a church family. May GOD richly BLESS you.
Kala Porter Swaims
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Mr. Ketchum, Matt, and girls. I am so sorry for your loss! My prays are with you all!!
Deborah Lindley
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
To John and the girls and family,
Meryl met Robert before I did and encouraged him to attend Geyer Springs! So it's because of her that Robert and I met! She was always quick with a smile and encouragement and ever ready to lend a hand. Debbi Staley and I spent lots of time with her when she did our hair - laughing and just having funHer encouraging words to me after our Christopher died gave me great joy and comfort because she had walked the road that I was now walking. I will always carry her memory close in my heart. Her family was always the joy of her life......if you need anything, you can count on Robert and me.
Donna Strickland
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
So sorry - prayers for her family and much love to my friend Joie.
Ruth Hartwick
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Singing in the heavenly choir, beautiful lady.
Jeanie Hobbs Dailey
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Praying for you and your family. I am so sorry.
Melanie Stacy
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Mrs. Meryl will be missed by so many! She always wore a smile and was so compassionate to others. She is certainly in that heavenly choir now. Her testimony and her love for Jesus will live on. My prayers are with you all.
Caroline Roberson
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Joie, my heart is so heavy for you and your family . May your SADNESS not stay long. God was ready for her to go home. Love you girl.
Billie Garlin
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Meryl was a wonderful lady! She was my go-to when our daughter cut her and her brothers hair when they were little. She was always so happy and fun. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you! God bless you with strength, peace and comfort.
Emily Talley
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
My prayers and my love is with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Linda/Darrell McFarland and 'Meemaw' Wilma Weeks
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
A gracious and welcoming lady who will be missed! May God continue to enfold your family in His tender, loving care.
Mary Hawley Vail
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Meryl, a very passionate soul who will be missed by me and many more. We became fast friends at Annapolis High School and I now cherish those fond memories. May Godspeed her journey to the Angels.
Greg Woods
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Reading Rev. 21:3, 4 have always brought me comfort, and hopefully will do the same for you.