Wanda Kay Ketron

Wanda Kay Ketron, age 85 of Eaton, Ohio passed on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Greenbriar Care Community in Eaton, surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, devotion, and gentle strength that will be cherished for generations to come. Born on January 30, 1941, in Baltimore, Ohio she was the daughter of the late Merrill D. & Iva Jane (Giberson) Hanes. In 1959, she graduated from Liberty Union High School in Baltimore, Ohio.

Wanda’s faith was central to her life. She was a longtime member of Eaton Methodist Church, where she worshiped faithfully and shared her musical gifts, singing in the choir. Her church family knew her as a steady presence, someone who encouraged others with a kind word, a warm smile, and a sincere heart. A dedicated educator, Wanda graduated in 1963 from Ohio University with a B.A. teaching degree and M.A. degree from Wright State. She went on to teach middle school at Dixon for many years, even substituting several years into her retirement. Colleagues and former students will remember her patience and belief that every child could learn and succeed.

In the community, Wanda was a member of Omicron Sigma sorority, and enjoyed playing Bridge and Canasta with her friends and their monthly dinners with their Dining Out Club. Wanda had a lifelong love of travel, and she delighted in exploring new places near and far. She especially enjoyed going on many cruises and treasured her yearly trips to Mexico, a tradition she kept for more than 20 years. As much as she loved the journeys themselves, her greatest joy was sharing those trips with her family, creating memories on vacations and getaways that will be lovingly remembered and retold. Above all, Wanda valued her family and her faith, and those two pillars shaped every part of her life. She had a heart for service and will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence, and the way she made each person in her life feel seen and loved. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the stories, traditions, and love she leaves behind.

Wanda is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Gary Ketron, with whom she shared a lifetime of partnership and love. She is also survived by her children, Sherrie & Doug Merkle of Fort Thomas, Kentucky; Craig & Ann Ketron of Columbus, Ohio, who were always a source of pride and joy to her.

She leaves behind grandchildren Nathan (Maura) Merkle, Gillian Howard, Meredith (Corbin) Hoblit, and Justin Merkle, as well as great-granddaughters Juniper and Lenora Hoblit, all of whom she dearly loved. Her brother Ron (Connie) Hanes of Sebastian, Florida and sister Cheryl (Tom) Taylor of Delaware, Ohio, holding many treasured memories of their years together.

Family will receive friends on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Eaton Methodist Church 120 North Maple Street – Eaton, Ohio. The Celebration of Life Service will be 12:00 PM at the church with Pastor Jeff Jewell officiating. Interment will be in Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wanda Ketron Memorial Scholarship Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home – Eaton, Ohio. Condolences www.barnesfuneralhome.com.