Lesley T. “Lee” Ketzel passed away on April 2 at the age of 97 at her home in Lawrence. Born October 28, 1927, in Rockville Centre, New York, she was the daughter of Florence Trolan Cunniff and Frank George Cunniff.
A lifelong lover of learning and adventure, Lee graduated cum laude from Middlebury College (Vermont) in 1949 with a double major in English and Political Science. During college, she earned her solo pilot’s license and learned to ski. That same year, she married Clifford P. Ketzel, whom she met on a student trip to Europe—a journey that sparked a passion for travel that she would share with her family throughout her life. Lee and Cliff moved to Lawrence in 1954 when Cliff became a Political Science Professor at KU.
Lee’s commitment to education and public service led her to earn a Master’s degree in English at the University of Kansas. She later worked with the League of Women Voters and the Kansas Arts Commission, advocating for the arts and women’s rights. A devoted community member, she served on the board of The Villages, Inc. for 30 years and was a founding member of the organization that became Kansas Advocates for Better Care. She joined the Unitarian Fellowship in April 1959, and spent the rest of her life as an active member.
Her love for the arts and humanities was evident in her decades-long involvement with organizations including the Spencer Museum of Art (where she volunteered for over 20 years), Theatre Lawrence, the KU Hall Center for the Humanities, and the Lyric Opera Guild of Kansas City. She and her family lived abroad in Pakistan, Poland, the UK, and Italy—experiences that deepened her cultural appreciation and global outlook.
Lee is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Christopher and Sarah Ketzel of Kennett Square, PA, Eric and Randee Ketzel of Austin,TX, Marc and Lita Ketzel of Sunnyvale, CA, and grandchildren Samantha, Nicholas, and Amelia. She was preceded in death by her husband Cliff, as well as her two brothers and sisters-in-law.
Lee’s life was rich with purpose, creativity, compassion and libations. She will be remembered for her intellect, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to the causes and communities she cherished.
A celebration of life will be held in Lawrence in the next several months. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the KU Endowment Lesley & Clifford Ketzel Student Support Fund, or Planned Parenthood.
Lee was a lovely lady and an ardent supporter of the arts. I’ve known her for many years through Theatre Lawrence. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
I have known Lee literally all my life, first from the Unitarian Fellowship and then the League of Women Voters. I am so sorry for your loss as a family, and for her loss to the community. She was a delightful person.
We are thinking of you all. Your mom was an amazing woman!
We had some great times with her.
Chris and Sarah, so very sorry for our loss.
I knew Lee from Spencer Art Museum. Was a sweet lady! I
I also knew her son Chris and Sara! So sorry for their loss. I have thought of her after I retired! My sympathy And love to the family!