Oct. 13, 1935 - Sep. 23, 2014
In her words, “A Southern girl, (North Carolina) who had children and came out West, very fortunate to have lived many places, and to make Nevada my home.” A gracious and handsome woman throughout her life, Gretchen was beautiful on the inside too. She was charismatic, energetic, extremely optimistic, physically strong and strong-willed, but above all, big-hearted. She was always willing to help others. She found time to do this while busy in a range of work in Reno, Carson City and then Yerington, where she lived since 1991. A surgical nurse in her early career, she taught herself how to keep books shortly after her arrival in Reno in 1967. It never was a job she liked, but it proved an essential skill. With her husbands, partners, and friends Gretchen tackled law, ranching, aviation, retail clothing, real estate, hotels, restaurants, catering and a bakery. Fundamentals and hard work were important to success, but simply said, Gretchen had a knack for putting people at ease and making them feel important. She was just one of those people you looked forward to seeing. Her family, many, many friends, 7 great dogs, 2 tough cats, and her lovely llama will miss her. A get-together and a light lunch is set for Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Mason Valley, 124 N. Main St., Yerington. For information call (775) 846-8871 or (415) 531-7627. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Gretchen’s memory to Safe Haven Rescue Kennel, 28 Hwy 95 A, Yerington, NV, 89447, (775) 463-1842; or Faith Lutheran Church, 12 N. West St., Yerington, NV, 89447, (775) 463-5675.
