Grace Horst Ketterman, MD

Grace Horst Ketterman, MD., died peacefully at her home on July 6, 2021. She was born seven miles north of Newton, Kansas, on September 11, 1926, the sixth of seven children. She grew up on the family farm, which provided a lifetime of sweet memories.

After high school, Grace first attended Bethany Peniel College in Bethany, Oklahoma. With encouragement from her dear father, Grace transferred to University of Kansas to pursue her dream of attending medical school. In a time when women rarely became doctors, she found herself one of five females in the Medical School Class of 1952. She would go on to be a pioneer throughout her career.

Grace practiced pediatrics and later psychiatry until the age of 91, helping countless families who grew devoted to her over the years. Her wisdom and counsel were always spiritually-oriented and faith-based, which her patients treasured.

After her early years in psychiatry practice, Grace became the Medical Director of the Florence Crittenton Center for Unwed Mothers. Realizing a great need for residential care for emotionally troubled boys and girls, Grace helped raise the funds needed to build the very unique and successful program that is now the Crittenton Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She served as their Executive Medical Director for more than 20 years.

Grace authored more than 30 books and published countless articles on topics ranging from child development to forgiveness, many of which were translated into other languages including Mandarin.  She was a frequent guest on Focus on the Family, often interviewed by Dr. James Dobson.

Despite her professional success, her family was her greatest love. Throughout her demanding career, she always prioritized her three children, and they were her source of pride.

Surviving Grace are her three children; Kathy King and her dear friend Richard Hamilton, Lyndon and Lyn Ketterman, Wendy and David Neihart; four grandchildren, Andrew Simpson and his partner Rachel Wheeler, Bryan and Martha Neihart, Brent and Rachel Neihart, and Braden and Missy Neihart; and great grandchildren, Nora, Eloise, and Ruthie Neihart. She is preceded in death by beloved husband, Herbert L. Ketterman.

The funeral service will be Saturday, July 10, at 1:00 p.m, at Hillcrest Covenant Church. Burial will be at the Highland Evangelical Church Cemetery near Newton, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hillcrest Covenant Church Missions, 8801 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Kansas, 66207, or Intervarsity Christian Fellowship ( https://donate.intervarsity.org )

“I am extremely grateful to my God for whatever loves and abilities I have and for His teaching me how to give these gifts to countless others. Bye. I love you!”

--Grace