Cynthia Jean (Watkins) Ketchum

December 18, 1957 — January 3, 2021

Cindy (Watkins) Ketchum, of Elmore, MN, passed away after a brief hospitalization, on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at the age of 63.

Cynthia Jean was born on December 18, 1957, in Austin, MN, the eldest child of Robert and Betty (Nelson) Watkins.

She grew up in Greene, IA, and in 1976 graduated from Greene High School. She graduated from Hamilton College in 1983 and later took additional classes at NIACC.

Cindy made her home in Rockford, IA, for many years during marriage to Michael Eichmeier. They were blessed with a daughter, Mary. They later divorced.

Cindy was an active mother and homemaker. She served her community on the city council. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, including the women’s circles. Cindy was a great cook. She enjoyed doing crafts such as sewing, woodwork, crocheting and knitting.

Cindy held a variety of jobs over the years including working at the Nora Springs Care Center and the former Winnebago Boy Scout Camp. She enjoyed listening to music and trips to the beach at Clear Lake. She had a beautiful smile and a heart of gold.

Cindy is survived by her husband of 12 years, Earl Ketchum, of Owatonna, MN; daughter Mary (Mike) Aissen of Clarksville, IA, and grandchildren James, Erin and Katelynn; her sisters Nancy (Tim) Doudell of San Jose, CA, Deb (Jimmy) Bostock of Hephzibah, GA, Bobbe (Patrick) Fitzgerald of East Hampton, CT, and Julie Watkins of Greene, IA; her brother, Scott Watkins of Greene, IA; Aunt Delores Fike of Rudd, IA; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and friends who were just as close as family.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Betty; siblings Jeffrey and Linda; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Due to COVID-19, no immediate public service is possible. A memorial service will be held when it is safe to do so.