Sandra Kay Ketcham, 70
March 12, 1956 — July 4, 2026
Tupelo – Sandra Kay Ketcham, 70, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at The Meadows of Fulton. She was born in Tupelo on March 12, 1956, to Ray and Martha Blythe.
Sandy grew up in Verona. She excelled in academics, fostered an early love of sports, played basketball and ran track in junior high, and graduated as valedictorian from Shannon High School. She went on to graduate with special distinction from Mississippi State University and taught English for several years before transitioning to a position with the City of Verona in the City Clerk’s office for a time.
Sandy loved to watch SEC sports, listen to country music, spend lots of time in the kitchen, and visit with her friends and family. A long-time member of Verona United Methodist Church, her faith was very important to her. When she became unable to attend in person, she sought out neighbors and friends to have Bible study with at home and enjoyed reading devotional books. She was a caregiver at heart and always wanted to make sure the people around her had what they needed, offering meals and helping out where she was able.
Sandy is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Graña (David) and Mallory Starlin (Michael); grandson, Alex Graña; sisters, Lynne Bratton and Sharon Crutcher (Steve); and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Martha Blythe; husband, John Ketcham; brother-in-law, Barry Bratton; and nephew, Ben Bratton.
Visitation with the family will be from 1 p.m. until service time Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo.
A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Rev. Hannah Shempert officiating. Burial will follow at Lee Memorial Park.
Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Crutcher, Sam Davidson, David Graña, David Neal, and Michael Starlin.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Meadows of Fulton and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care over the last year.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Meadows of Fulton, Verona United Methodist Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
~
Visitation
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
1 p.m.
Pegues Funeral Directors – Tupelo
535 W Jefferson St, Tupelo, MS 38804
~
Funeral Service
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
2 p.m.
Pegues Funeral Directors – Tupelo
