Norma Jean Ketchem departed from this world on July 22, 2025, at the age of 88. She was born in Washington, Norma Jean James on August 6, 1936, the daughter of Jesse and Helen (Burkhardt) James.

Norma attended St. Mary Grade School and was a 1955 graduate of the Washington Catholic High School. She retired from the Floyd Memorial Hospital in New Albany and returned to Washington in 2001 to become a caregiver to many.

Norma was a loyal member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. She lived by her faith, family and fun. Norma never missed an opportunity to gather with family and was always looking for a card game. In her spare time, she loved to go mushroom hunting, play bingo, shop, and do a little gambling.

Norma is survived by her sister-in-law, Ruth James of Washington. Although she was never blessed with children of her own, Norma loved and was dearly loved by her many nieces and nephews: Stephen (Lorraine) Burris of Terre Haute; Mike (Kathy Beatty) Burris of Marengo; David (Rachel) Burris of Sellersburg; Chris Burris of Washington; Phil Burris of Russell Springs, Kentucky; Tricia Pohnert of Tucson, Arizona; Jesse James of Washington; Vidette James of Washington; and Carol Uhl of Clarksville; Mary (Ron) Streete of Washington; Tammy (Kevin) Myers of Washington; Michael (Donna) James of Washington; Cathy (Arlen) Winkler of Washington; Jim (Danielle) James in Australia; Jeff (Kelly) James of Washington; Kevin (Vickey) Uhl of Jeffersonville; Margie Boes of Washington; and her many great nieces and nephews.

During her lifetime, Norma mourned the loss of her parents, Jesse and Helen James; siblings: Eugene James; Eleanor Burris; Mary Emma Uhl; Sister Mary Harold; Robert James; William James; Harold James; Father Edward James; two siblings who died in infancy; and nephews: Jerry James and Mark Uhl.

Visitation for Norma Jean Ketchem will be 10:00 - 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 315 NE 3rd Street, Washington, Indiana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Norma Jean Ketchem at 11:00 am, immediately following the visitation on July 29, 2025, also at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Father Paul Ferguson will be the celebrant. Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.edleemortuary.com

The staff of the Ed Lee Mortuary is honored to have been entrusted with Norma Ketchem's arrangements.

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