Search by Name

Search by Name

Barb Marie Kettenring

1948 - 2013

Barb Marie Kettenring obituary, 1948-2013, New Hampston, NH

BORN

1948

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home

164 Pleasant Street

Laconia, New Hampshire

Barb Kettenring Obituary

NEW HAMPTON - Barb Marie (Wilson) Kettenring was born in Altadena, Calif. on March 7, 1948 and grew up with her parents Laurens Hardy Wilson and Elsie Margaret (Scott) Wilson in La Canada, Calif. She received her BA and a California Teaching Credential from UCLA. She later received a Master's Degree from Cal State Northridge and most recently she completed the Reading Specialist program at Plymouth State University.

Barb met her future husband, Kenneth N. Kettenring, on a geologically recent lava flow in the Sonoran Desert of Mexico while she was still a student at UCLA. She was a climber, caver, teacher, sports fanatic, mother, wife, friend and all-around wonderfully wild woman (WWW).

Among Barb's early adventures was a trip in the late 1960's with the UCLA Mountaineers to the Sótano de las Golondrinas (Cave of the Swallows) in the Municipality of Aquismón San Luis Potosí, Mexico. A visit to this cave involves repelling down an 1100 foot free-fall drop and then climbing back up the rope using climbing aids. Another adventure involved climbing to the top of Yosemite Falls, a late season snow storm, an unfortunate encounter with a hungry raccoon and an unanticipated helicopter ride (which she almost turned down).

Barb's first job was teaching all-day kindergarten in Kayenta, Ariz. on the Navajo Reservation where she worked with a bilingual aide and did her best to learn the basics of the Navajo language. Over the years she taught at all primary and secondary levels plus adult education, English as a Second Language and tutoring. Doing so she affected many lives and gained many life-long friends.

Barb left the sunny southwest for the Saint Croix River Valley of northern Wisconsin to marry Ken who was teaching at a branch campus of the University of Wisconsin. As a faculty wife Barb was an active participant in intramural broomball and volleyball and joined canoe trips and cross-country ski parties with the students. She also worked with a program providing assistance to Native American Head Start Programs and did volunteer archival work at the University library.

Barb's next stops were Albuquerque, N.M., where her daughter, Marie Elizabeth, was born and New Hampton, where her son, Stuart Laurens, was born.

Barb hasn't done anything since arriving in New Hampshire (and if you believe that she has title to a bridge we would like to sell you).

Barb died Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2013.

She is survived by husband, Ken; daughter, Marie; son, Stuart; sisters, Laurel King and Cathy Vergara; brother, Laurens Scott Wilson; mother-in-law Virginia Kettenring; 17 brothers/sisters-in-law; 16 nieces; 15 nephews; 15 grandnieces/nephews and numerous close friends.

A Quaker Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m. in North Sandwich Friends Meetinghouse, 354 Quaker Whiteface Road, North Sandwich.

If you wish you may make donations to the American Cancer Society, Two Commerce Drive, Suite 110, Bedford, 03110-6803 in lieu of flowers.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to wilkinsonbeane.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Concord Monitor on Sep. 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Barb Kettenring

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Linda Dowal

October 19, 2013

Ken, Marie, Stuart,
I will always remember the talks we had at the library about our kids, book, and life. Barb was an amazing lady. My thoughts are with you.

October 2, 2013

My thoughts are with you all. She was certainly a very special person, getting to know her when she brought Marie into the Fret Shop to look at violins. I felt very comfortable around her and it was as though we had been friends for a long time. She will be sorely missed. Ginny (Loring) Carlon, Florida

Lester Bradley

September 29, 2013

Marie, Ken and Stuart, Barb was a huge inspiration to me and remains so. Her attitude throughout all this was what any of us should aspire to have. I'm so happy to have gotten to know her through you, Marie. I should have half the strength and courage she has shown to us all.

Judy Turk

September 25, 2013

Ken, Marie and Stuart,
I will always have fond memories of Barb when meeting and working with her at NHCS. She was a gifted, talented and yes, an adventurous woman. I wish you all peace and comfort at this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Barb Kettenring's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Barb Kettenring

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home

164 Pleasant Street P.O. Box 67, Laconia, NH 03246

How to support Barb's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Barb Kettenring's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more