Mary Ketterer

Mary Atherton Ketterer, 71, of New Milford, passed away, Saturday, April 12, 2014, at Community Medical Center Geisinger, Scranton.

Born March 18, 1943 in Binghamton, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Dolph and Evelyn (Tiffany) Atherton.

Survivors include her husband of 48 years, James M. Ketterer; son and fiancée, James Atherton Ketterer and Mary Kathleen Barry of Arlington, Va.; a granddaughter, Kathleen Evelyn Ketterer; a sister, Grace "Skeet" Erat of New Milford; a brother and wife, Jack and Ann Atherton of Phoenix, Ariz..; and several nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Bucknell University with a dual major in English literature and psychology, Mary began her teaching career at Blue Ridge High School, New Milford. She continued teaching in Newark, Del., for eight years. In 1973, she returned to her alma mater, Mountain View Jr./Sr. High School, Kingsley, as an English teacher until she retired in 2003.

In addition to teaching, Mrs. Ketterer advised yearbook, Spirit Game teams, and numerous graduating classes. She served as president and past president of the Mountain View Education Association and the English Department Chairperson. She cheered enthusiastically for all Eagle Teams, particularly the wrestling team for which she often kept score. Over the years she starred on the stage with the Mountain View Players as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, Mrs. Gibbs in Our Town, and Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors.

After retirement, Mrs. Ketterer continued to teach homebound students and substituted at area school districts. She served as President of the Susquehanna Chapter of Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR), for which also served as Legislative Chair of Susquehanna Chapter and of Region III.

She attended as a child and was a member of First Universalist Church Of Brooklyn, and was also a member the First Congregational-UCC Church of Harford, where she assisted with the Sunday School program.

Mary volunteered at numerous organizations over the years. One of her favorites was the St. Mark's Episcopal Thrift Shop, New Milford, where she was an avid shopper for herself and her students. Annually, Mary would volunteer as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army and often at the St. Francis Soup Kitchen, Scranton. She worked at the Harford Fireman's stand at the Harford Fair. Recently, she belonged to the Ladies of the Lake, a local book club.

Mary served as President of the Mountain View Alumni Association and was a recipient of the Mountain View Distinguished Alumni "Golden Eagle" Award. Mary was a member of Mountain View's Class of 1960, the first graduating class.

Mrs. Ketterer has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Susquehanna County Library and the New Library Building Fund Community. Reading was always a very important part of Mary's life. Other hobbies included bird watching, antiquing, film critiquing, and spending time with her dogs.

Her outgoing, spirited personality and zest for life inspired many to reach their full potential. Mary will be greatly missed by her many students, peers, friends, and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Atherton Ketterer's name to Susquehanna County Library Building Fund, 18 Monument Street, Montrose, PA 18801.

Visitation: 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday at the Bartron Myer Funeral Home, Inc., Montrose. Go to bartronmyerfuneralhome.com for directions.

Services: 11:00 a.m. Thursday at First Universalist Church of Brooklyn, Brooklyn.