Jeannie Ketcham

Jeannie Ketcham from Eden, VT sadly passed away on 9/17/2025 at only 65yrs old. After a 3 week long fight in the hospital due to complications from a hip replacement surgery that led to sepsis that then exasperated other underlying illnesses. Jeannie, like she always did, fought hard every day of those 3weeks but sadly accepted her body was failing her. She leaves her family absolutely devastated but leaves nothing short of an amazing legacy of strength and resilience in her absence.

Jeannie was born 11/1/1959 in Burlington VT to Larned (Larry) & Rosetta (Micki) Ketcham of Hinesburg. She was part of CVU's graduating class of 77 and spent her life dedicated to her family and lifelong love of horses. Her only child Jamie was born in 1987 and after that everything she did following Jamie's birth was for her daughter. She spent 30+ yrs working on the manufacturing line at IBM before retiring. But in true Jeannie fashion she couldn't sit still and went on to work at the Manor in Morrisville as a caregiver for over 7yrs. All while tending to her horses that she had with her girls and caring for her partner Eric who has Muscular Dystrophy. Gma, as she was known to most, was deeply entwined with her animals and her little farm, especially her beloved mini mules and ponies that always kept her on her toes. Whether tending to their needs or chasing them through the hay field she found joy in their playful antics. Her commitment to her animals reflected the steadfast nature that defined her life – reliable, consistent, and always present for those that needed her.

Jeannie leaves behind an endless amount of family and friends that loved her kind, caring, selfless, blunt & straight shooter personality all of which made her the special person she was. Jeannie was predeceased by her husband Bruce Hilliker, her father Larry Ketcham & her sister Amy Ellen Ketcham. Her memory & legacy are carried on by her mother Micki Ketcham (Jacques) of Hinesburg. Her partner of the past 18yrs Eric Smith of Eden, VT and Eric's father David Smith of Eden, VT. Siblings Matthew Ketcham & wife Tammy of Williston, VT, Nickolas Ketcham & wife Michele of San Mateo, CA, Kym Ketcham of Burlington, VT, Jasen Ketcham & wife Yessica of Houston, TX and Roxann Ketcham Zucchi, husband Dan of Jupiter, FL. As well as many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Most of all the two people that she loved the most and spent a large majority of her time with, her two sidekicks and her most favorite dynamic duo. Her daughter Jamie Ketcham-Lynch & granddaughter Jaylynn June Lynch of Eden who were her absolute world. Jeannie was a rare one-of-a-kind person who lived by her own set of rules and loved so deeply in her own special ways. As Jeannie always said, "life is too short to be miserable, so just be happy"!

There will be a Celebration of Jeannie's Life at her Horse Farm (Shover Road) in Eden on Oct 18th at 2p. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Jeannie's GoFundMe. All proceeds will go toward her remaining medical bills with the remainder going into a trust for her granddaughter, Jaylynn.