Cora Sue Erhard Ketchem of Beaumont was born in Houston, Texas on July 25, 1946 and died on May 8, 2004 at Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital.  She was the daughter of Cora Pomeroy Erhard and Peter Sims Erhard, M.D.  At Beaumont High

School, Sue was a member of the Purple Queens and was chosen as one of the six Fair Ladies for her beauty, charm and grace.  She was selected as a princess in the Neches River Festival and made her debut with the Beaumont Symphony.  While attending Lamar University she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority.  She graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.  She was a certified public accountant and a partner in the firm Miller, Mason and Ketchem.  She was a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Preceding her in death were her mother, Cora Erhard, her daughter Amanda “Mandie “ Ehrhart and her brother William Erhard.  She is survived by her husband Fred Ketchem of Beaumont; her father, Peter Sims Erhard and his wife, Doris of Beaumont and Dallas; her sons, Marcus Ehrhart of Beaumont; Sean Ketchem of San Francicso, California, Kevin Ketchem with wife, Gina and son, Brenden of Austin; daughter Marianne Nelssen, her husband Robert and daughter, Stefanie of Nederland; and daughter, Stephanie Ketchem and her Christopher of Beaumont; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Friends and family were recipients of her gentle smile and generous spirit.  At Christmas her kitchen became a Santa’s cookie workshop and gift bags of her culinary genius went out to a myriad of grateful friends.  Some may remember her as the lady who yearly scooped the ducks out of the Neches River at the Cerebral Palsy Rubber Ducky Derby.  She will be remembered for her gracious hospitality at the annual crawfish bois, Super Bowl parties and every holiday dinner.  She was a true friend to all fortunate to know her.  Our slightest whim was her quest to fulfill.  Known for her dry wit and creative mind, she entertained us, fed us, healed us and inspired us to soar.  Her family, her friends, her profession, her home, her dogs, her books and her garden brought her joy.  In her professional life she pampered her clients as she did her family and friends.  She drew us all close and we are all better for having her in our lives.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, May 10, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 23rd and Gladys.  Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, at St. Andrew’s, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 N. Major Drive, Beaumont.  Following interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, friends and family will gather at St. Andrew’s for fellowship and refreshment.

Serving as pallbearers will be Sina Nejad, John Nield, Sr., Bill Neild, Tom Neild, Johnny Neild, Jr., and Joe White.

Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of your choice.