Merton L Ketchum

Merton Ketchum, 84, of Berkshire (Jenksville) went home to be with the Lord on December 5, 2013. Merton is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marie Ketchum, his children: Larry (Donalyn) Ketchum, Ron (Pam Hemenway) Ketchum, Rose (Michael) Semel, Joann (Mark) Peterson), Janet (Robert) Seymour; 10 grandchildren:Ellyn(Jason)Melby, Lauren (Steve) Nettles, Chad (Connie) Ketchum, Valerie (Keith) Button, Krystal Dunn, Herbert (Colleen) Kinney, Miranda (Travis)Fisher, Joshua (Kadeine) Peterson, Jess Seymour, Jake (Rachel) Seymour; great grandchildren: Mark,Anna,Kaila,Nate,Daniel, Charlotte,Bryce, Elaina, Joseph, Kevin, Isaac, Gavin, Maison, David, Savana, Jasmine, Brooklyn; his sister, Christine Berkel, Maries siblings: Barbara Nelson, Gale (Barb) Bennett, Rosi Hurbis and several nieces and nephews. Merton was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Norma Ketchum, Maries parents, Ray and Anne Bennett, and Maries siblings, Maxine Holden and Dale Bennett.Merton was a life-long farmer and a 33 year employee of IBM. He was a faithful member of and usher at the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley, and was devoted to his family. Mertons family will receive friends at the Newark Valley Baptist Church, 40 Whig St., from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, December 9th. A Funeral Service will follow there at 2 pm with Pastor Michael Spiegel officiating. Burial will be at a later date.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mertons name, may kindly be directed to the First Baptist Church, PO Box 487, Newark Valley, NY 13811. MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley is assisting with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be written in his guest book at macphersonfh.com