Search by Name

Search by Name

Gretchen Roach

1936 - 2016

Gretchen Roach obituary, 1936-2016, Greenville, IN

BORN

1936

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home - Monticello

202 S. Illinois St.

Monticello, Indiana

Gretchen Roach Obituary

Gretchen (MaHanna) Roach, 79

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.

Published by Journal & Courier on Mar. 5, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Gretchen Roach

Sponsored by Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home - Monticello.

Not sure what to say?





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

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home - Monticello

202 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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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