Ellen Lee Ketteman

Ellen Lee (Sinnema) Ketteman, born on April 28, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, peacefully passed away on June 6, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas. With a life that was marked by devotion, love, and a cheerful spirit, Ellen's journey reflects the embodiment of generosity and joy that she extended to all who knew her.

Ellen’s educational foundation was laid in her time at Lutheran High School West, graduating in 1959, and continued at St. John's Lutheran College, from which she graduated in 1961. Afterward, she embraced the role of housewife before transitioning into a fulfilling career as an Office and Payroll Manager at Ketteman's Bakery, where she worked alongside her husband, Russell Ketteman, and their children. This position not only highlighted her professional abilities but also underscored her commitment to family and community.

Ellen’s most cherished moments were spent surrounded by family. She had a remarkable talent for bringing loved ones together, exemplified by her tradition of mailing invitations for family gatherings on special occasions such as Easter Dinner, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. She loved writing letters and sending gifts and birthday cards to all her loved ones. Her joyful nature was accompanied by an infectious laugh, and she was known for her deep love for children.

Throughout her life, Ellen actively contributed to her faith community as a devoted member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas. She eagerly participated in various church activities including being a Bible buddy, teaching pre-school Sunday School, and taking part in the LWML. In her retirement, she shared her time volunteering at Cow Town in Wichita, further reflecting her dedication to service.

Ellen also loved reading and engaged in daily Bible studies, often finding peace and purpose within the scriptures. Despite living on a modest income, she exhibited a remarkable commitment to generosity, contributing to various charities as she could.

Ellen's legacy is cherished by her loving family members who remain: her son, David Ketteman, and his wife, Mary Ketteman-Mattivi; her daughter, Barbara Davis, and her husband, Tom Davis; her daughter, Patricia Guetersloh, and her husband, Todd Guetersloh; her daughter, Lisa Ketteman; her sister, Deborah Bailey, and her husband, Tim Bailey; her brother, Fred Sinnema, and his wife, Rhonda; her grandson, Zachariah Ketteman; and her granddaughters, Chloe Christinat and Audrey Christinat.

Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Russell Ketteman; her son, Michael John Ketteman; her father, Jesse Sinnema; her mother, Catherine Sinnema; and her sister, Janet Fitch.

A visitation to honor Ellen's life will take place at Cozine Life Events Center in Wichita, Kansas, on June 12, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on June 14, 2025, at 10:30 AM, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Holy Cross Lutheran School, 600 N. Greenwich Rd., Wichita, KS 67206.

Ellen Lee Ketteman will be remembered for her unwavering spirit, generosity, and the love she shared with those around her. Her legacy of kindness and her cherished memories will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.