Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1936
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Gretchen Roach Obituary
Gretchen (MaHanna) Roach died unexpectedly on February 25, 2016 in Greenville, North Carolina at the age of 79. She was born to the late William R. MaHanna and Gretchen Dyer MaHanna on July 3, 1936 in Lafayette, Indiana.
She graduated from Monticello High School (Twin Lakes) in 1954. She earned an associate's of art from Stephens College Columbia, Missouri with a degree in fashion design. She married Richard (Dick) Roach, her high school sweetheart, in 1956.
The couple welcomed three children into their home, and Gretchen set about teaching them the value of a strong work ethic. Her children remember her as an energetic mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals. She was employed by the Twin Lakes School district and worked for the High School as a main office secretary for 23 years. Gretchen was a member of the Delta Theta Tau Philanthropic Sorority <http://www.deltathetatau.org/> of White County, Indiana and a member of the Oak Grove Christian Church in Carroll County, Indiana.
Gretchen was accomplished at sewing, quilting and knitting. She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and was an avid bridge player. Gretchen loved to travel so she and her loving husband, Dick, visited Ireland, Australia and England - to name a few. They also traveled most of the United States. For several years, she would visit the coast of North Carolina in the winter. She thoroughly enjoyed walking the beaches of Emerald Isle.
Gretchen is survived by her husband, Richard Carl Roach of Monticello, Indiana; children, Robin Roach Gilley of Aumsville, Oregon, Richard Carl Roach II of Monticello Indiana, and Raegan Roach Kaler of Goldsboro North Carolina; and sibling, Echo (MaHanna) Trobough.
Also surviving are six granddaughters Gretchen, Elizabeth, Courtney, Briana, Hanna and Hunter; two grandsons Richard and Harman and one great grandson Braxton; who affectionately called her GG. She leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by Shirley Ann MaHanna (sister) and William MaHanna (brother) of Lafayette, Indiana.
Gretchen will be honored with a private family memorial.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Oak Grove Church at 11810 North 900 West, Monticello, Indiana 47960.
Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello is entrusted with care.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be extended at www.springerfuneral home.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gretchen Roach
Sponsored by Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home - Monticello.
Emily Kallal
February 19, 2025
I miss Gretchen so mush, she was always there for me, she was my sister with a different mother. Gretchen, Dick, Salty and I have such good memories. As the plaque you gave me says, Friends are like the stars you don't always see them but you know they are always there. See you soon Gretchen. Love, Emily
February 19, 2024
I miss your mom each day, she was such a good friend. We were sisters with different mothers.
Love and prayers to all of you, Emily
Emily Kallal
February 19, 2023
Gretchen I think of you and Dick all the time and keep remembering the wonderful times the two of you and Bill and I spent together, RVing, Traveling and just being together. I'm still mad at the three of you for leaving me here all alone, we always did everything together in fours even back in high school. Love you guys and hope to see you soon. Emily
Emily Kallal
February 19, 2021
I miss Gretchen so much, I didn't realize how much I relied on her for support until she was gone. I'm happy for Gretchen and Dick and Salty. They are at peace and have a happiest we will not know until we join them. God be with the family as they celebrate their parent's memory. Love to all, Emily
Emily Kallal
February 19, 2020
To Gretchen and Dick's family, Even though I am away from my friends and my Bill for a little while, we will always be best friends and I'm looking forward to the day we will all be together again. The four of us Dick, Gretchen, Bill and Emily.
Love to all of you, Emily
Emily Kallal
February 19, 2019
Gretchen and Dick are Salty and my dearest friends. I loved Gretchen like a sister, she always knew the right things to say and do to make me feel better if I was down. We laughed together and we cried together. The four of us had such good times starting in high school clear through to their passing. I'm still angry at the three of them for leaving me here alone, we always did everything together. The Roach children are very dear to me.
I have to tell a funny story. We were RVing and Dick and Salty had gone some place so Gretchen and I were alone in their RV, we decided to have a glass of wine, we broke the top of the wine bottle off trying to get the cork out. Gretchen said we are not wasting this bottle of wine, she poured the wine through a coffee filter to get the glass out of the wine. There are so many GOOD memories. Love to all, Emily
Bob and Peg Oliver
March 13, 2016
Rick Sharon and families,
We were sorry to hear of Gretchen's passing You are in our thoughts and prayers
Ken Houston
March 10, 2016
Dear Richard,Rick,Robin,Raegan & families,
My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you. We all will miss the presence of a truly lovable and kind person. May the Lord bless and comfort each of you during this time of grief. I know that in time you will be able to celebrate a life well lived and cherish the memories forever
Jim/Elaine Babb
March 9, 2016
What a jolt to learn of Gretchen's passing. We will miss her at our reunions.
Patricia Martin
March 6, 2016
Heartfelt prayers to all of her family. Gretchen was a very good friend to our mother, Louise Martin. Gretchen was always a bright spot in my light - a true ray of sunshine to all she knew. Patty Martin
Sheila Heidrick Richardson
March 6, 2016
My thoughts are with you
Emily Kallal
March 5, 2016
Dear Richard and family,
Gretchen was my sister by choice. The two of you and your family were such a big part of mine and Salty's life. We have so many good memories that will always be with me.
Gretchen and Salty are together planning the next travel event for the four of us with God as our guide.
I love you, Emily
Michael Crutcher
March 4, 2016
My prayers and thoughts are with everyone at this difficult time. Many fond memories of Sunday mornings going to church and getting donuts afterwards and having tons of fun while Gretchen and Mom had coffee. She will truly be missed by Everyone whose life she has touched.
Nan Dickerson
March 3, 2016
Gretchen was a beloved fixture in the office at Twin Lakes during my four years there! Thinking of you Robin, Rick and Raegan.
Brad / Val Spaulding
March 2, 2016
To my second Mom, Gretchen Roach. My heart is broken, but I know you are in a much better place. I will see again either when the Lord takes me or when he comes again. I will be praying and thinking of your family still here.
Kevin Diener
March 2, 2016
My prayers and sympathy are with the Roach family. May God Bless you at this time for sorrow and may your memories of family live in your hearts.
Rod Coffing
March 1, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the entire Roach family. Gretchen was so special to me and was such a magnificent person. I'm thankful she had such a positive influence in my life. My thoughts are with you all.
Brice & Judy Crowel
March 1, 2016
Sorry to hear of Gretchen's passing away. We think the world of you both. God Bless.
Jim & Sharon Brown
February 27, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Susan Timko
February 27, 2016
May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time. Gretchen was one of my favorite customers at the Idaville Post Office. She was a lovely lady.
Suzy Hauser
February 27, 2016
We are so sorry to learn of Mrs. Roach passing. My son, Josh, was so very fond of her. She was a lovely lady. Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Suzy Hauser and family
Vernie & Vicki Criswell
February 26, 2016
We are sorry to hear of Gretchen's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Lucy Alspaugh
February 26, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Laurie Henderson
February 26, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Gretchen's passing. Your family is in my prayers.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Gretchen Roach's name
Memorial Events
for Gretchen Roach
Funeral services provided by:
Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home - Monticello202 S. Illinois St., Monticello, IN 47960
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
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gretchen Roach'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
