Search by Name
Search by Name
Haase, Gretchen Ann
Gretchen Ann Haase, age 75, a longtime resident of Portales, New Mexico, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 in Albuquerque, NM, surrounded by her family.
Gretchen was born on July 1, 1941 in Crestone, Iowa and spent her childhood and teen years on Farmington, NM with her brother Peter and parents, Don and Helen Jungbluth Welsh. Her dad and mom purchased a Ben Franklin Store, known as Friendly Bennys, where she and her brother worked at the store while in High School.
Gretchen loved horses, socializing and was a very talented swimmer. In high school, she was involved in Student Council and was known as a bit of a "class clown" and a practical joker, forming lifetime friendships with classmates.
After graduating from Farmington High School, Gretchen attended the University of New Mexico. In 1962, she married and moved to Portales where she began her full time job as a devoted mother and wife. She was recognized as Mother of the Year in 1974, by the American Mothers Committee and again Woman of the Year in 1975. She was baptized at Central Christian Church, was active in the community and worked tirelessly for the American Cancer Society. Gretchen also established the Don C. Westfall Memorial Fund which raised money for cancer patients; she was highly involved in charitable fundraising and public education for cancer awareness.
Gretchen enjoyed working with children and was the Director-Owner of Portales Preschool from 1978 through 2003. She was active with friends, family and volunteering throughout her life. Gretchen consistently gave gifts anonymously. She loved cooking for her friends, collecting books, music, travel, photography, as well as collecting and selling antiques. Gretchen had a true gift for getting autographs from such people as Jimmy Stewart, Richard Bach, Chuck Yeager, Anne Rice, Bill Walton and Ronald Reagan.
Gretchen was well known in the community for cooking for friends, in later years, for working with the elderly and taking care of people in need and animals. She will be fondly remembered by her family and friends for so many reasons, mostly her love, community outreach and generosity.
Gretchen was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Tex Haase of Tucumcari, New Mexico and by her parents, Don and Helen Welsh of Pocatello, Idaho. She is survived by her three children, Scooter Haase and wife Deb of Lancaster, PA, Robin Billmaier and husband Mike of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Donald "Don" Haase and wife Kenna of Denver, CO; brother, Peter Welsh of Pocatello, Idaho; grandchildren, Dan, Justin and Haley Faith and great grandchildren.
Memorial Services will be held at Central Christian Church on South Main Street in Portales, New Mexico, on Friday, August 26, 2016 at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Christian Church, 1528 S Main, Portales, NM 88130, to the Portales Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 695 Portales, NM 88130, or the Salvation Army of Farmington, NM., 319 W Broadway Farmington, New Mexico 87401. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. ABQ. 505-343-8008
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Direct Funeral and Cremation Services - Albuquerque.
We meet so many people in our lives; occasionally, one who is unforgettable enters the picture. Gretchen was a woman who had a huge influence on our lives. I still think of her often and miss her. The children adored her, and she was always so generous. She is still my friend on FaceBook because I can't let her go; she is missed.
Gillian Andersen
Friend
August 17, 2020
Although Tex and Gretchen were my God Parents I was very young the last time I saw them. I have grown up hearing what wonderful people they were and hate I never got a chance to see them once I got older. I hope the family is moving forward and has found comfort. I just wanted them to know that the memory of Tex and Gretchen will always live in our family as we pass down how wonderful they were to our parents (Wayne & Linda Holder)
Edney Holder
June 6, 2018
Gretchen was a friend, an encourager, a fellow early childhood colleague. an honest heart healer
a listener and supporter who knew how I wanted a child, and simply a shining example of His love! Carol Murray
carol murray
September 9, 2016
An all-time favorite friend - generous, warm, inclusive, funny, loving - and loved by many. And from an all-time favorite family.
-Mary Echohawk Adamson
Mary Echohawk Adamson
August 29, 2016
A good friend of many years. Someone very special
Syd Burns
August 28, 2016
Rest easy, Ms. Gretchen...sincere condolences to the Family with all our love...Steven, Tomar, and Mary
Mary F. Flores
August 27, 2016
Our deepest sympathies to all of the family.
Joan & Jerry Van Lancker
August 24, 2016
Those who love children bring everlasting light into this world.
Gillian Andersen
August 24, 2016
Was a very good friend.Will be missed.To her children I am so sorry. Am praying for you all.
Karen Earle
August 23, 2016
You are greatly missed my dear friend.
Stephen Hardin
August 23, 2016
Gretchen was a partner in raising our two sons, William and Geoffrey, who attended Portales Pre-School for several years. Gretchen was talented, smart, and treated our sons with love and respect. I am so sorry to hear of her passing; God rest her soul.
Gillian Andersen
August 23, 2016
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Funeral services provided by:
Direct Funeral and Cremation Services - Albuquerque2919 4th Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more