Five Generations

Thomas R. Ketcham

Thomas was the Third Generation, along with his wife Ethel Ketcham. Tom is the son of Willam Ketcham, Sr., who was the Second Generation of Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home.

William Ketcham, Sr., was the son of R. Ketcham. R. Ketcham was the 1st generation of Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home and owned the Ketcham Furniture Store in Mercer and manufactured coffins in addition to the furniture. He was also the undertaker in the area.

William Ketcham, Sr., and his partner Samuel Cotterman moved the business to Rockford in 1884. In 1896, they occupied a two story business, at 197 South Main, which served the furniture business and the funeral business. Later, most visitations and many funerals were conducted at the Ketcham residence, 111 West First Street.

Back to the Third Generation, Thomas, whose business partner was Ralph G. Ketcham, became a funeral director and embalmer along with Ralph.

Ethel Ketcham

Ethel was the Third Generation, along with her husband Thomas Ketcham. They took over the two Rockford businesses, along with Ralph G. Ketcham, after the death of William in 1920. Ethel not only helped in both businesses, but also kept the books.

Lucille Ripley

Lucille, the daughter of Thomas Ketcham, was the Fourth Generation and became a licensed embalmer in 1945. She graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, and received her Funeral Director’s license. She married Carl Ripley who also acquired both licenses in 1949.

Carl Ripley

Carl served in W.W. II, and upon returning from overseas, went to the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science; he received his embalmer’s and funeral director’s license in 1949. Carl was married to Lucille Ripley. They, together, were the Fourth Generation of the Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home.

Marcia Nelle Ripley

Marcia is the Fifth Generation of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, of the Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home. She is the daughter of Carl and Lucille Ripley. After graduating from The University of Cincinnati, with a degree in Psychology, she entered Mortuary College, and received her licenses as an embalmer and a Funeral Director, in 1975. After her parents passed away, Marcia was responsible for both businesses. On June 30, 2005 the Ketcham’s Furniture & Floor Coverings Business was closed. Today, Marcia continues the family tradition at the Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, at 111 West First Street, next to the Ketcham home. Marcia has a daughter, Devon Stansbury. Perhaps, a sixth generation will continue the heritage that began so long ago.