Joyce Marie "Princess" Ketterman
February 21, 1929 - August 16, 2026
Joyce Marie Ketterman, affectionately known as "Princess," passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the age of 97 years, 5 months, and 4 days. She was born February 21, 1929, in Lincoln Park, Michigan, to Harold Martin Mahurin, Sr. and Jennie Irene (Combs) Mahurin. Joyce spent her childhood in Nevada, Missouri, as well as some time in Michigan, attending schools in Nevada. As the daughter of a church pastor, Joyce lived up to this to the best of her ability. She was a part of the First United Methodist Church of Locust Grove and was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary.
On January 10, 1946, Joyce married J. P. Ketterman, Sr. in Fort Scott, Kansas. Their story began at a bowling alley in Nevada, Missouri, where Joyce first met the young man who caught her attention while he was wearing his Army uniform. Together, Joyce and J. P. built a life and family that took them all over the United States as J. P. worked on the pipeline.
Joyce was a woman who knew how to work hard and take care of her family. She spent many years in the food industry, including more than 10 years as a cook and server at DJ's Diner in Locust Grove and time working alongside her daughter, Angie, at Restaurant of the Cherokees in Tahlequah. She continued working until she was 87 years old. Yet, perhaps her most important work was raising and caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She taught her family the importance of being strong, loving one another, and always staying together.
There was little Joyce could not do, and she did it all with plenty of personality. She was a tremendous cook and enjoyed all kinds of craft work. She loved working puzzles and caring for her beloved fur babies. She enjoyed concerts, cruises, dancing, and spending time at the casino. Joyce loved a good fruity drink or a White Russian and firmly believed it was "always 5 o'clock somewhere." Above all, Joyce loved spending time at "The Beach," where she enjoyed hunting for shark teeth. She was particular about making sure every shell was completely free of sand. She also had a playful and unforgettable personality, proudly embracing her reputation as a "chick magnet" and enjoying the attention of the men around her. She even danced on a pole at least once - because Joyce was never one to let life pass her by.
Joyce lived a long, colorful, hardworking, and joy-filled life. She loved deeply, laughed often, worked hard, and never lost her sense of adventure. She leaves behind not only a family, but the lessons she taught them: to be strong, to love one another, and most importantly, to stay together. Her family and friends will remember her for her generous heart, her incredible cooking, her humor, her determination, and her one-of-a-kind "Princess" personality. She leaves behind a large and loving family who will carry her memory forward.
Joyce is survived by: 6 daughters: Darlene Shrum of Pryor, Oklahoma, Towanda Allen of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Janette Davidson and husband Randy of Salina, Oklahoma, Angela Johnson and husband Johnny of Park Hill, Oklahoma, Terry Teigen of Peggs, Oklahoma, and Tammy Hurbace and husband Jeff of Hawaii; 1 son: Timmy Ketterman and wife Shellie of Pryor, Oklahoma; 22 grandchildren along with many great and great-great grandchildren; Along with numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, J. P. Ketterman, Sr.; an infant son, Timothy Charles Ketterman; her son, Jay P. Ketterman; brother Harold "Buzz" Mahurin; sisters Dorothy Turner and Eva Sparks; sons-in-law Raymond Shrum, Mike Allen, Ray Teigen, Ron Chapman, and Leslie Matthews; daughter-in-law Rosie Ketterman; and grandchildren Joshua Johnson and C.J. Davidson. Joyce was also preceded in death by several angel great-grandchildren who were waiting to greet her in heaven.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, August 24, 2026, with Pastor Jeff Blair officiating. Interment will follow at Ross-Mayes Cemetery in Salina, Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home. Memories, condolences, and tributes may be shared at www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com.
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