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Rilda M. Ketchum

11/15/1938 - 08/07/2024

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Obituary For Rilda M. Ketchum

Rilda Mae Ketchum was born on November 15, 1938, the identical twin of Reva Rae Maas. They joined big brother, Audley. When the girls were 8 days old their father, Floyd, was killed, leaving their mother, Pearl Hendricks, a single mother of three.

Rilda was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. Rilda and Reva played piano, organ and sang in the church throughout their lives. They attended SDA schools, graduating from Plainview Academy in Redfield, SD in 1957. Lifelong friendships were created at the academy. A few include Alton Pfeifle, Gary Smith, Barbara Christopher, & Betty Robertson.

After high school she attended Black Hills Teacher's College and spent one year teaching in Thief River Falls, MN. One year was enough of that for Rilda, however she continued to correct our grammar for the rest of her life.

Rilda returned to Black Hills graduating with a secretarial certification. She began working for the Veterans Administration in 1960. Her career took her from Hot Springs, SD to Washington DC and back to the Black Hills. In 1966, she married Winfield Pengra and moved to Watertown, SD. When Winfield was offered a job in Leavenworth, KS, she returned to the VA, working in Leavenworth, KS. In 1982 she was awarded upward mobility allowing her to return to college, earning her RN in 1984. She returned to the Leavenworth VA as a nurse. However, when Winfield's health began to deteriorate, she transferred back to the Hot Springs VA so Win could be in the Black Hills. She retired from the VA in January, 1995.

Winfield died in April of 1995. Rilda continued to live in Hot Springs until 2005 when she married Kenneth Ketchum in Lansing, KS. They traveled between their two homes until 2018 when Rilda sold her home. They relocated to Rapid City, SD to be closer to Jill. Ken died in June of 2023, leaving Rilda a widow again.

Rilda's health began to fail shortly after Ken's death. Jill moved into Rilda's home. Her children and Win's special niece, Kay Roth, cared for her there until she died.

She is survived by her children: Mark (Heidi) Pengra, Bruce Pengra, Drew (Kerri) Pengra, Jill Pengra Wilson. Ken’s sons: Charles 3rd, Clifford (Brenda), Frank (Didi). Reva's boys: Pete, Lauw, and Barry (Peggy) Maas. Brother, Audley (Sheila) Hendricks, and niece Cara. She is also survived by her amazing grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by Winfield, her identical twin, Reva Maas, & Ken, her son in law, Doug Wilson, daughter, Dodie Ketchum, sister-in-law, Nadine Hendricks, and niece Cheryl.

She cherished so many friends-Sherry Kirby and Roxi, Maggie Owens, Louise Crosby, Chuck and Margaret Pedri. A special thank you to Karla Kniffin for joining our family and taking such good care of us; she loved you dearly. Also, dearly loved are Pastor Sam and Betty Thomas and members of the SDA Church.

Live Stream

Services

20 Aug

Visitation

10:00 AM

Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home 632 Saint Francis St. Rapid City, SD 57701 Get Directions »
20 Aug

Celebration of Life

11:00 AM

Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home 632 Saint Francis St. Rapid City, SD 57701 Get Directions »
20 Aug

Committal service

12:30 PM - 01:00 PM

Black Hills National Cemetery 20901 Pleasant Valley Dr Sturgis, SD 57785 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Live Stream

Photos & Video

Rilda Ketchum Memorial Tribute

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Condolences

  • 10/17/2024

    Judy Carlson Giacona

    I'll never forget Rilda and her twin Reva, they were family to my family. My most precious memory is their laughter. It alway warmed my heart. See you soon Rilda, we can laugh together again in the earth made new. ❤️❤️❤️✝️✝️

  • 08/25/2024

    Karen Shepard

    Dearest Jill and Drew, your mother will truly be missed. We are so thankful for how she touched our lives, and for the beautiful memories she left us with. We will carry those memories in our hearts forever... until we meet again. With much love, Karen and Larry

  • 08/20/2024

    Annette Donegon

    Dear Family, How heavy my heart is with the passing of our beloved Rilda. How incredably blessed I was able to be a part and so loved in Rildas life. The storys she would love to tell me of of my husband her Calvy. I loved how excited she would be when we always made sure we stopped for a visit. Rest in peace our Beautiful Rilda. Kiss my Calvy for me.

  • 08/20/2024

    Karla Kniffin

    The love Rilda showed me will never be forgotten. Love to Jill & Drew and the rest of the family. Thank you for letting me be a part of your family these last few years. Love Karla Kniffin

  • 08/20/2024

    Stephenie, Klint, Kallen and Kord Rittberger

    The twins.....and their families have added so much value to our lives. Rilda taught me that you never fail until you stop trying and the healing power of sincere apologies. She'll be deeply missed and always loved.

  • 08/20/2024

    Brenda Meiron

    Jill and Drew and to the many family and grandkids. My sincere condolences. What a beautiful memorial to Rilda, the video was beautiful. Such a colorful soul with the biggest heart. I always giggled hearing Doug stories about Rilda she and Doug had a special relationship with the occasional bantering and I mean that in the sincerest way. She always made me smile and her wit she had till her last breath. May peace and comfort carry you all through these next coming days. May her smile be that light that brings you all comfort knowing she is no longer in pain. Love Brenda Meiron

  • 08/19/2024

    Jaime Bohlman

    What a beautiful life story Rilda was able to tell. May the wonderful memories of her be a comfort to her family and friends. I wish I could have gotten to know her better because she was already in Rapid City when I moved to Hot Springs, but I think of her and am grateful for her generosity whenever I play her organ at church that bears her name or watch the Livestream that she was so instrumental in starting. She will be missed by many

  • 08/15/2024

    darlene carroll

    Jill - so very sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with your mother and talking about our Fairburn connection. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • 08/13/2024

    Trayce Dinkel

    Dear Jill, Your mom and Reva were very special. So sorry for your loss. She was lucky to have you and you were lucky to have her. Trayce Dinkel

  • 08/12/2024

    Amelia Spears

    Dear Jill Loved your mother, so feisty. Sending hugs Amy Spears

  • 08/10/2024

    Heather Solon RN

    Rilda Ketchum RN, We recognize you and pay homage to you and your dedication to your nursing career., as well as to the profession of nursing. We extend our deepest condolences to your family, friends, and former colleagues. Heather Solon, RN * West River Nurse Honor Guard of SD

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