Teryl "Terry" Ketchum

On Friday, July 19, 2024, Terry Ketchum left this world for the next without fuss or fanfare. He managed to slip away in the early hours of the morning while his wife of 50 years dozed quietly by his side. Having lived his life to the full, he chose to not extend his suffering with continued cancer treatment; 20 years was more than enough.

Terry was born in Salt Lake City on May 15, 1952 and as a child lived in Sparks, NV; Snoqualmie, WA; and Olympia, WA. It was while he was a student at Olympia High School that he met his girlfriend Kathie Berschauer. The two dated in high school and college, graduating from Northwest Nazarene College in 1974. They married on July 27, 1973 and a year later welcomed their first son Scott (Kassie) into their family. Four years later, a second red-headed boy, Brian (Erin) completed their family of four. These sons produced seven children, Kayla, Colton, and Sierra to Scott and Kassie, and Grace, Eliott, Nora, and Luca to Brian and Erin. To say these children were the joy of Terry’s life is a complete understatement. Oh how he loved them and spent every moment he was able letting them know how much they matter.

Among his many areas of service, Terry loved and served people as an associate pastor in Nampa, ID; Vancouver, WA; and Kansas City, KS. He served as a missionary for 25 years in France, Martinique, Haiti, and the Caribbean Regional Office for the Church of the Nazarene. He moved back to Olympia in 2006 where he served as the assistant to the District Superintendent. His last responsibility was principal of Northwest Christian High School. He truly loved his staff and students and did everything he could to make tasks for teachers easier and to love his students and guide them into their future.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Terry is survived by his Aunt Trude (101 years young), his older and younger brothers, Daniel (Carol) and Verle (Sandy) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Rev. and Mrs. Winston Ketchum and his beloved niece Angie Ketchum.

A drop-in celebration of life will be held August 24 from 2 to 5 at Terry’s home. His friends and family are welcome to share memories, tributes, and stories of his life. Light snacks will be provided along with moments of joy and celebration.