Barbara Helen Ketterer

With sad hearts, we announce the death of Barbara Helen Ketterer, 91, of Sand Point, on May 31, 2023 at home under hospice. Barbara was born on February 26, 1932 to the late Lyle and Helen (Collins) Smith and was the oldest of seven children. She graduated from Southeastern High School in Detroit.

Barbara married the love of her life, Edward Arthur Ketterer, on September 20, 1952. They were blessed with over 70 years of a happy marriage, although she often said, “This marriage is on a trial basis.” After raising their family in Garden City, then Warren, she and Ed moved to Caseville where they spent a wonderful 30 years together being active in golfing and boating. Barb enjoyed playing cards with “the girls,” Wednesday night dinner with “the Gang,” and volunteering at Scheurer Hospital for almost 15 years. She loved sitting outside at their back yard patio, the unofficial gathering spot, often with “the best neighbors ever.”

The best word to describe Barb is “feisty,” and she remained so until her death. She was very proud of her Irish and Scottish heritage, saying “I’m a Smith, I’m tough.” And she was. She was also a great manager of the family finances, a fiercely devoted and loyal wife, mother, and friend.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Ed (who will be lost without his “Butch”), her children Terrence Ketterer Sr., Debra (David) James, Cheryl Nadrowski (Mark Maddy), Edward (Sherry) Ketterer Jr., Keith (Laurie) Ketterer; the grandchildren Clarence (Arianne), Terrence Jr., Tim (Jillian) and John (Kaitlin) Ketterer, Collin (Yasuko) and Nathan (Allison) James, Leah (Eric) Pence, Brandon (Lexie) and Andrew (Josie) Nadrowski, Justin (Katie) and Jordan (Amanda) Ketterer, Dana and Anthony Ketterer and 20 great grandchildren. Also left to cherish her memory, her sister Patricia (Rick) Alagna, sister-in-law Anita Ketterer, brother-in-law Michael Baltosiewich, Cindy Ketterer and Steve Nadrowski and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents Lyle and Helen (Collins) Smith and siblings George, Shirley,  David, Donna, Janice, and her mother-in-law Mary, who she loved dearly.

Funeral services will be at 1:00pm Saturday, June 3 at the Champagne Funeral Chapel with Rev. Karen Bouverette officiating.  Burial will be in Caseville Twp Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at 11:00am and continue until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Reiter, A&D Hospice, and especially Heather for their compassion and care.

Memorials may be made to A&D Hospice.