Gretchen Prichard

SPENCERVILLE -- Gretchen Ann (Post) Prichard.

Gretchen Prichard left her earthly body on the evening of February 18th, surrounded by the big, beautiful, loud, and loving family that she created, nurtured, and continued to impact until her last breath. We are devastated, but so grateful to have had her these past 89 years. Her laughter, love of people, and ability to see the good in any situation were lifelong gifts to all of us. We got our miracle. She was able to share her love and gratitude until the very end. We will be forever grateful for the Joy she brought and the influence she had on all our lives.

Gretchen was born in Spencerville, Ohio, on September 7, 1936, to parents Charles Clarke Leonidas Post and Mabel Savere (Bradford) Post. She spent her childhood playing on the family farm and crossing Route 117 to enjoy time with her cherished Aunt Helen (Post) Fryer and Uncle Stanley Fryer. Grandmother Etta lived at both houses and was the first to expose Gretchen to her love of reading and lifelong desire to become a teacher, reading her the classics during their nighttime routine. That love of reading continued throughout her life. Gretchen graduated from Spencerville High School in 1954 and Muskingum College in 1958, majoring in English and PE/Health. In 1983, she returned for a master's in counseling from Dayton.

As an only child for ten years, Gretchen found ways to entertain herself. Hitchhiking, causing neighbor kids to shriek as they ran from "pretend" wild boars in the barn, and getting stuck in her Aunt Marianne's formal wear were the beginning of her lifelong tendency for orneriness. Her dear cousin, Sharon (Bradford) Klay, was her partner in most misadventures. Little brother Doug (wife Pam, children Monica, Jeffrey, and Jennifer) arrived ten years later and still lives on the family farm today.

Gretchen met her future husband, David, during her sophomore year in high school while both were visiting a friend in the hospital. She said he had a "gaudy" purple sweater on and was missing a front tooth (football), but she was immediately smitten. After a six-year courtship, they married on October 31, 1959. Dave always commented that he married her because he wanted to stick around to see what she was going to do next. It was never a dull moment for either. Dave was her biggest supporter and spoiled her rotten. He passed on their 46th wedding anniversary in 2005. At his funeral, Gretchen requested the song "You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings" be played.

Together they taught and coached at Bath (after Lafayette) and raised their three children: David Clarke (Melissa) Prichard, Amy Melinda Prichard, and Patrick Douglas (Kelly) Prichard. The Prichard House was always the gathering place for friends and family. In fact, many have expressed that they have lost their "second" Mother. She always said her proudest accomplishment was her family.

She was the "Gran", "Crazy Gran" and "Granny Goodwich" of 10: Shelby Rene (Will), Paige Marie (John), Bailey Ann (Ryan), Dakota Clarke, Darby Elaine (Owen), Paris Gretchen, Dalton Clay, David Lucas (Rachel), Quincy Blake and Aleya Grace and great-grandmother of four – Leroux, Daphnie, Theo and Morison.

Gretchen, often known as "P", "Coach P" or "Mrs. P" started the girls' sports programs at Bath High School running the GAA program free of charge. She coached Volleyball, Softball, and Basketball, eventually focusing on basketball with the goal of making it a program her daughter would be proud to be a part of". It was that and so much more. Many are aware of her accolades, but what Gretchen always valued most were the people: the parents who shared her interest in helping their daughters reach their full potential, giving the Bath community something to rally around and be proud of, and the young girls, whom she wanted to believe they could do anything with effort and commitment.

Gretchen faced aging with grace, never losing her love of laughter and life, nor her interest in other people. The family appreciates Nicole Kung, for the care and comfort she gave to their mother during her final year.

Gretchen had a gift of making us feel like we mattered and motivated us to want to do better. In her last months, she often said, "I've had a great life with three great kids and a wonderful husband, what more could I ask for?"

Visitation will be at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville, Ohio. Saturday hours are from 5-8 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 and 5-8 p.m. Visiting hours begin at 10 a.m. prior to the 1 p.m. funeral service at the Lima Community Church, 2945 N. Cole St., Lima, Ohio 45801, performed by Reverend Linda Kowatch of UCC Church in Boulder, CO. Burial will take place following the service at Maplewood Cemetery near Spencerville. Memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.baylifffuneral.com. Thoams E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Gretchen and her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gretchen Prichard Scholarship fund for future female educators.