Mary Ketchum will retire this month after 18 years of service at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital.
“Mary has always been a strong advocate for our patients,” Joy Strand, administrator and chief operating officer, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, said Monday. “From delivering antibiotics to providing pain management to giving a simple prayer or hug, her dedication to those we serve will be greatly missed.”

Ketchum started nursing school at age 40, while raising five children as a single parent.
She has served as a floor nurse at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital since January of 1994.
During her career, she also worked in hospice and assisted a midwife, caring for those facing the beginning and end of their lives.
“I felt like I had come full circle, from birth to death,” she said. “Both are very rewarding, spiritual experiences.”
During her retirement, Ketchum plans to go for walks and bike rides, visit her
grandchildren, and “just take time to enjoy life without being tired all the time.”
“To everyone at Borgess-Lee, especially the 11-to-7 shift, thanks for always being there,” she added. “A special thanks to Kayte Lee for being such an awesome mentor, along with Mary Koss, Lucille Holloway and Berny Berg. I guess I shouldn’t get started with names, because there are too many who have supported me in one way or another …. God bless you all.”