Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Gretchen Robertson Obituary
64, passed away on May 13th, 2017 in Export, PA with her husband, Brian, and sister, Ann, by her side. She was with her family in Pennsylvania to attend the memorial of her father.
She is survived by husband, Brian Robertson of Flat Rock, IN; sister, Ann Sasaki-Madigan (John) of Coeur d'Alene, ID; brother, Tom Burkett (Char), nieces Mary and Calli Ann, nephew, Daniel, of Forest, VA; brother, Paul Burkett (Melinda) nephews, Bradley and Aaron of Dumfries, VA; sister, Miriam Burkett of Indianapolis, IN; as well as her Japanese family mourning her death in Japan.
Gretchen was born August 3, 1952 in Augusta, GA where her father was stationed in the U.S. Army. The family moved to Pennsylvania, then to the Indianapolis, IN area. She moved to Flat Rock, Indiana when she married her husband, Brian, where she spent the remainder of her life. She attended Northwest High School, graduating in 1970 and attended Indiana University, graduating in 1974 with B.A. in Archeology.
Gretchen's ability to coordinate large projects and ensuring even the finest of details were not overlooked were key to her success at the Farm Bureau Co-op as a project manager, then at Resort Condominiums International as a program manager, until her retirement in 2015.
Gretchen was a strong, independent woman who had a love of reading, theater, music, artistry, nature and animals... especially her dogs, Nikki and Tai, Gaia, Moses, and Archie who is wondering where his mama is.
She loved traveling the world and experiencing what other cultures offered, spending time in Hawaii, Japan, Costa Rica, Ireland, England, Wales, France, Africa, and New Zealand. She made many friends along the way who will miss her greatly.
All those who were a part of Gretchen's life know she supported all with love and gratitude. She was the best boss, co-worker, friend, sister, any one could ask for. She had a saying, "don't worry... it will all work out in the end."
In true Gretchen fashion, she did not want a service. A family memorial will be held in June. She volunteered with "Roads to Recovery", an organization that provides transportation for those with cancer, until she was unable to. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: Roads to Recovery, Indiana.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gretchen Robertson
Jim & Jerri Henderson
May 13, 2022
We think of Gretchen frequently. She was such a good friend and acted like an aunt to our children
sending them birthday and holiday presents. We really miss her.
Kim Weldon
February 28, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Gretchen was a great lady. I was from Georgia and had moved to Indianapolis in 66, met the Burketts while at Northwest High School. I stayed in touch a little with her after returning to Georgia in 1970 - and had the pleasure of visiting her once at Indiana U. So glad to hear of her continued love of life and of her having so many great friends and family.
Stacy Dona
June 19, 2017
Gretchen was an amazing friend to me. I loved her very much. She was the kind of person that you want to be around. She was always kinder than necessary and truthful at the same time, a balance I still work on striving for. I learned so much from her that I can honestly say I wouldn't be the person I am today without her in my life. She was always there for milestone and mundane events in my life. I could always be certain that if I invited her, and she was in the country, she was going to show up. When Gretchen told us she had cancer, I was so confident that she was going to beat it that I didn't actually consider what would happen if she didn't. I knew that beneath her calm and soooo cool exterior, she had fire in her soul. That was the side of Gretchen that I was surprised to know when we became dear friends, but that made me love her all the more. She was a rebel and adventurer, she had a sparkle to her.
The world is not the same without her here. I am comforted in the fact that it is a better place because of the love and kindness that she shared with those who knew her. She has left her imprint on the heart of everyone who was fortunate enough to know her, like me.
Debbie & Larry Stamps, Waltz
May 26, 2017
Sending prayers. We are very sorry for your loss.
Chris Gardner
May 24, 2017
Gretchen, along with her sister and brother are the gentlest of souls.
When Gretchen and Brian would visit her mother we would converse about their lives and ours and I was always so impressed. From what I believe, Gretchen had a wonderful life but it is such a tragedy to end too soon.
Keep great memories!
Carolyn Ruble
May 23, 2017
Gretchen is an amazing women who I always looked up to. It was an honor to have worked with her at the 'Coop' and enjoyed the times we shared. You lived your life your way and what an adventure. You are missed my friend! Prayers for your family.
Keith Herring
May 22, 2017
Gretchen was a wonderful soul...inside and out. I'm honored to have known and worked with Gretchen at Farm Bureau/Countrymark Co-op in the 1990's. May God bless and keep her family and friends.
George Gill
May 20, 2017
To the fittest woman in my exercise classes at RCI,
May you keep inspiring me to strengthen both the inside and outside of myself.
Ray Wilson
May 20, 2017
Gretchen was a wonderful, exemplary, trail blazing woman.
Jim Henderson
May 20, 2017
It was a sad day that we heard of Gretchen's passing. She was "one of a kind" and we'll miss her greatly. She was like a second aunt to our children and we will always remember her in our hearts. I am so glad that we were able to spend a few days with her last summer. Jim & Jerri Henderson
May 20, 2017
I met Gretchen through our mutual friend Big Sue. I enjoyed our few and brief but usually amuzing times together. My deepest sympathy to all of Gretchens familia.
Carol Isaacson
May 19, 2017
Gretchen you are an amazing women, and I miss you tremendously. I loved when we would all get together to share a meal. You always knew the best places to go. I remember a group of us would attend George's disco inspired Friday fitness class. Also, you were a fierce competitor in the Corporate Challenge - bringing RCI a string of first place finishes in the 800 meters (even though you said you weren't a runner.) I loved hearing about your travels. You didn't just vacation, you were an adventurer. You were beautiful inside and out. I am so lucky to have known you.
May 19, 2017
I did not know Gretchen, but was a family friend of her family here in Pennsylvania. I wish to send my sympathy to her family and friends.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Gretchen Robertson's name
Memorial Events
for Gretchen Robertson
How to support Gretchen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gretchen Robertson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
