BERNADETTE KAY KETTERMAN
Bernadette Kay Ketterman, 65, of Westphalia, Texas, died Oct. 5, 2025, after a brave journey with cancer, surrounded by her family. She was born Dec. 16, 1959, in Temple to Ewald Frei and Kathleen Jansing Frei.
Growing up on the Frei family farm with her nine siblings, Bernadette learned the values of hard work, faith and family. She cherished the simple joys of farm life, such as baking and homemaking alongside her mother and sisters, and carried those traditions throughout her life.
She graduated with honors from Rosebud-Lott High School in 1978. While in high school, she participated in the Vocational Education program and worked at the D-Brown Memorial Library in Rosebud. After graduation, she worked in the jewelry and makeup department at JCPenney in Temple.
During this time, she met her soulmate and best friend, Gary Ketterman. They were married June 20, 1981, and shared 44 years of marriage. Their life together was centered on faith, family and love, a reflection of the vows they faithfully lived out.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, Bernadette was an active member of the Church of the Visitation. For more than 30 years, she taught first-grade religious education, helping children discover God’s love and laying a foundation for their lifelong faith. Her patience, kindness and joyful spirit made her a beloved teacher to countless students and families.
Known for her bright smile and contagious laughter, Bernadette lived with joy and purpose. As a Mary Kay beauty consultant for 39 years, she embraced her “Busy Bee” theme — always buzzing with encouragement and helping others feel beautiful inside and out. She treasured the friendships she formed through her work.
Family was the center of Bernadette’s life. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. Known lovingly as “Mimi,” she created countless memories during “Craft Days with Mimi,” where creativity and laughter filled the room. Her thoughtful touches made every holiday and birthday special.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Ketterman; children, Bryan (Kayla Vollmer) Ketterman, Keith Ketterman, Michael (Melanie Cabla) Ketterman and Jennifer Ketterman; grandchildren, Logan and Cam Ketterman, Evelyn and Noah Ketterman, and Kayson and Harper Ketterman; siblings, Kenneth (Eugenia) Frei, David (Dorothy) Frei, Shirley Frei (Johnny) Polach, Donald (Joyce) Frei, Marilyn Frei (Bradley) Rudloff and Gary (Melissa) Frei; and many extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Milton Frei (surviving Isabel), Glenard Frei (surviving Virginia) and Thomas Frei (surviving Frances).
The rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at Cook-Gerngross- Green-Patterson Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Church of the Visitation, 144 County Road 3000, Lott, with Father Darrell Kostiha officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the church. A meal will be held afterward at the Westphalia Parish Hall.
Memorials may be made to the Church of the Visitation Religious Education Program or Westphalia Celebration Park.
Her faith, laughter and loyal love will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through every joyful memory and heartfelt prayer.