Gretchen Jane Garrett, age 87 of Celina, peacefully entered the presence of the Lord on Sunday, May 21, 2023 in Mercer County, Ohio, where she was loved and cared for.

She was born December 12, 1935 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Edwin and Katherine (Atkinson). She is survived by her loyal and caring husband, Robert W. Garrett of Celina, having recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April. Always a caring parent, she is loved and will be remembered by her two children, Jill Anne Garrett of Denver, CO, and Robin Jane (Tim) Weininger of Celina, along with three Weininger grandchildren, Morgan, Madison (Alex Giesige) and Garrett.

Gretchen graduated from Toledo DeVilbiss High School with the class of 1953. Like her mother, Gretchen attended Ohio University in Athens and majored in Early Childhood Development. Her daughter Robin followed in the tradition and also became an OU Bobcat. After her teaching career, Gretchen lived in Columbus with her cousin Liz, who was like a sister to her. Liz's husband, Don, introduced Gretchen to his coworker at Columbia Gas Co., who turned out to be one special someone, Bob Garrett. Gretchen and Bob married in 1963 in Toledo, Ohio, with Liz and Don's blessing. They enjoyed traveling every year to Lake Lure in the mountains of North Carolina to celebrate their anniversary.

She was a supportive mother for her daughters, Robin and Jill, and their numerous activities growing up in Athens and Tiffin, Ohio. She helped run the bullpen at endless swim meets, watched hundreds of ball games, and volunteered at their school's Parent Teacher Organization. Every summer Gretchen looked forward to their family beach vacation to Oak Island, NC.

They joined families from Athens, and loved looking for shells on the beach, sunbathing with a few beers, snacking on snickerdoodles and outlet shopping with the kids. She loved traveling and cruising around the world with close friends from Uniontown, PA. Gretchen and Bob made close ties with friends and the community and lived in Uniontown for almost 30 years.

After helping raise her daughters, Gretchen worked various jobs throughout her life including accounting, sales, delivering Meals on Wheels, and later retired from Weight Watchers, Inc. in Uniontown, PA where she was a receptionist for many years. Having family roots in Newcomerstown, Gretchen was an avid Ohio State football fan. Weekends in autumn were spent cheering (yelling) for the Buckeyes and supporting the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. In her free time, she loved to garden, collect antiques, crafts, and made the most of her sewing machine.

The family garden produced a fruitful rhubarb plant that followed them each move, from which Gretchen produced delicious rhubarb pies.  She stitched gifts for friends, and even sewed most of the family's clothing during the fun era of '70s fashion. Like Bob, she loved golf and was President of the Women's Golf Association at the Uniontown Pennsylvania Country Club.

In honoring family wishes, there will be no public visitations or funeral services. Burial will be private in Kenton, Ohio. Family and friends are welcome to join a celebration of Gretchen's life that will be held in the near future in Uniontown, PA.

More details will be forthcoming.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Peter's Lutheran Church 121 Walnut Hill Rd. Uniontown, PA 15401, Everheart Hospice 1350 N. Broadway St. Greenville, Ohio 45331, Dementia Society 188 N Main St, Doylestown, PA 18901 or your organization of choice.

Condolences may be shared with the Garrett family online at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.