Ann Richards Ketcham, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away on September 21, 2014 from leiomyosarcoma. Ann, 64, was born in Tulsa to John R. and Cecile D. Richards and remained a lifelong Tulsa resident. Her life of compassion was characterized by a love of international travel, service to others and a concern for social justice.

Ann's first of many trips to Europe was with her Edison High School troop to visit Our Chalet, the Girl Scout's World Center in the Swiss Alps. A year later, her parents' graduation gift was a two-month trip to Indonesia sponsored by Tulsa Council of Churches (now TMM) where she joined other students in building cross-cultural relationships. The following Fall, Ann began studies at Drury College, becoming president of her Alpha Phi chapter and obtaining degrees in Psychology and Sociology. Ann joined the Peace Corps and was stationed as a health care worker for two years in Niger. She traveled extensively throughout West Africa and Europe.

Upon returning to Tulsa, Ann began a 38-year career with the American Diabetes Association, retiring as Executive Director of the State of Oklahoma. A top fundraiser for the organization, Ann received numerous commendations including a Service Award, the Give Financial Award and the Standard of Excellence Award. She obtained her Masters of Public Administration from University of Oklahoma and was a CFRE.

Ann fervently supported social justice. She helped block the construction of the Black Fox Nuclear Plant in 1979 as a protestor and was arrested for her participation, a fact of which she was proud. As an 18-year member of Rotary Club of Tulsa, Ann supported fresh-water drilling in Nicaragua and the delivery of medical supplies to Niger.

She is survived by Bruce V. Ketcham, her husband of 33 years, daughters Celia W. Ketcham and Sarah Ketcham Meeks, Sarah's husband Zachary, and siblings Barbara Richards, Phil R. Richards, Phil's wife Patricia, and Julia Richards Thompson.

A service celebrating Ann's life will be held at College Hill Presbyterian Church of which she was a member on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 11:00 am.

In keeping with Ann's love of service, donations may be made in her name to one's favorite charity.