Former Itasca Mayor Shirley Ketter dies at 90

Former Itasca Mayor Shirley Ketter, who was the first woman elected to the village board, died Tuesday afternoon. She was 90.

Ketter was elected as a trustee to the Itasca village board in 1973. In 1985, her fellow trustees appointed her to become interim mayor after her predecessor Wesley Usher died in 1985. She was re-elected three times until she stepped down in 1997 after 24 years of service.

"Today, Itasca lost one of our community's most influential leaders," Mayor Jeff Pruyn said in a news release. "Mayor Ketter's vision and leadership were instrumental in the development of some of our community's most recognizable landmarks, including Usher Park and Hamilton Lakes."

With support from Ketter, the land south of Devon Avenue was developed into the Hamilton Lakes Business Park.

Ketter also is credited with helping transform Itasca into a modern suburb by prioritizing paving streets, replacing the volunteer police department with a professionally trained force and constructing the village's Town Center.

Pruyn recalled how Ketter supported his opponent during his candidacy for village trustee in 1995, but felt her support when he took office.

"From day one, Mayor Ketter put politics aside and welcomed me with open arms," Pruyn said. "Not only did she show me the ropes, she went on to support me when I ran for mayor. Shirley epitomized class and I will be forever grateful for her kindness and support."

In a statement, former Mayor Gigi Gruber said Ketter brought out the best in people.

"Everything we accomplished was built on the foundation that Shirley laid," Gruber said. "She leaves behind a beautiful legacy and for that we are forever grateful. If there's a mayor of heaven, it will be Shirley."

Flags at all village buildings will be flown at half-staff in honor of Ketter's life. Arrangements are currently pending and will be posted by the Oaks Funeral Home in Itasca when finalized, village officials said.