Russell L. Ketch

Russell L. Ketch, 86 of Norwich, died on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Russell was a peaceful soul who actively engaged people he met in conversation, always asking about them and the details of their lives. He listened and did not offer judgement. It was said of Russell that he was a collector of people. Throughout the many chapters of his life from growing up in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to attending college, joining and serving honorably in the Navy, working in publishing, being a bus tour guide, and through a life-long, avid interest in the arts he maintained many friendships. Russell loved to get to know people.

Russell never married or had children and is survived by extended family and friends in Oklahoma and friends across the country, especially in places he lived for some time, such as Camden, NJ, Philadelphia, PA and in Norwich, NY.

Russell enjoyed life and was rewarded with longevity. His concern, kindness, and out pouring of love was evident to all who were fortunate enough to encounter him. His abilities to listen to and affirm others was a constant theme of a life well lived. He was always a gentleman, and it was easy to see he was guided daily by his deeply held values and beliefs. We are all poorer with the passing of such a special person.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.