Yale Ketchum

Yale Ketchum, 66, of DeWitt passed away on September 26, 2025, after an extraordinarily courageous battle with cancer. Born in Syracuse, he was the son of Gordon and Joy (Nasteff) Ketchum. He graduated from Westhill High School and attended Onondaga Community College, majoring in music. Yale was a talented musician. He played guitar, sang and performed in musicals in high school and community theater. He was a trumpet player at Westhill and sang in the chorus. He enjoyed mixing sound with his cousin Steve. Yale had an appreciation and a love of music throughout his life. Yale also enjoyed mountain biking. His favorite rides were shared with his friend Ray who referred to him as "coach". Here they experienced their love of the outdoors, nature, sport and adventure. He was an intelligent and courageous lifelong learner, and he appreciated learning about religion and philosophy, literature, biology, and history. Yale was an employee of Armstrong Rapid Manufacturing for 30 years. Yale leaves his friends and family with a legacy of love, kindness, gentleness, wisdom, humor, fun and joy. His presence brightened all our days. One beloved family member, Aunt Judy Lincoln, remarked on his entrance to a Thanksgiving dinner by saying "here comes fun"! Yale was not just fun, but a man of deep faith, wisdom, intelligence, awe of nature and a strong desire to help others. He was always thankful to God, friends and those who helped him lead a life of faith, sobriety and love. Yale and Jeanneanne were married 31 years and had a deep sense of being brought together by God; they were and always will remain lovebirds and soulmates. Their marriage was full of deep and tremendous love, devotion, learning, growth, respect, admiration, playfulness and much fun and humor. They loved nature and the arts and also enjoyed reading aloud to each other, hiking and basking in nature's beauty. They shared many other interests including the love of music, movies, theater, and travel. Whatever they chose to do or not do, togetherness was a joy and a delight. Yale and Jeanneanne shared their faith in God, and that was the center of their lives. They were members of the Holy Cross Church and later the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception where Monsignors Yeazel and Quartier both provided wonderful guidance and inspiration. They were also grateful to their couple friends from different walks of life who demonstrated love and commitment. They provided inspiration and examples of devotion and love. Yale so loved his daughter, Jessica Marshall, and his grandson, Victor. He brought his special brand of humor, fun, wisdom and inspiration to their lives. He appreciated their compassion, sensitivity, kindness, patience, humor, creativity, and sense of fun. Yale and Victor were recently connected by their appreciation of birds and bird watching. Jessica put together a beautiful video of their garden to comfort Yale in his final weeks. He was proud of them and Yale and Jeanneanne were very grateful for their generosity and compassion. In his brave fight with cancer, Yale showed tremendous courage and endurance. His positive faith and attitude towards every day filled his friends, family, doctors, nurses, PT/OT therapists and spiritual caregivers with inspiration and awe. He read many spiritual books during his months of hospitalization and became even more deeply faithful during his illness. He is thankful to all the doctors, nurses, therapists, Priests and spiritual caregivers in the hospitals and at Francis House for their kindness, guidance, and support. He and Jeanneanne were also grateful for family, friends and neighbors who were incredibly supportive and loving. Yale was predeceased by his parents. In addition to his wife, daughter and grandson, he is survived by beloved aunts and cousins. The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the loving care given at Francis House and Hospice of CNY where no task was too small. The beautiful staff and volunteers at Francis House brought loving kindness and compassion to Yale's final days. A private funeral Mass will be celebrated in his honor. Private burial will be held in Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles. Small and informal get togethers will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions in his memory may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave. Syracuse, NY 13208 (www.francishouseny.org/support) or Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North St. Liverpool, NY 13088 (www.hospicecny.org/donate) or the Rescue Mission, 155 Gifford St. Syracuse, NY 13202 (www.rescuemissionalliance.org). Arrangements by the B. L. Bush & Sons Funeral Home, 10 Genesee St., Camillus NY, 13031. www.BLBUSH.com In lieu of signing the guest book, please send cards to the family in care of the Funeral Home. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.