Gretchen Ferdinand

1943 - 2025

Gretchen Ferdinand

June 23, 1943 - March 1, 2025

Graham, Washington - Gretchen Ferdinand, a longtime resident of Graham, WA, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at Bonaventure Assisted Living in Maple Valley, where she had resided for the last two years. Gretchen was born June 23, 1943, in San Diego, CA and relocated to the Seattle area in the early 1960s, where she built a life full of creativity, compassion, and adventure. Gretchen was known throughout the community for her love of animals and her exceptional artistic talents with stained glass. She always had cats and dogs, often strays, as companions, as well as her beloved horses. She owned and operated a florist shop in Graham which was not just a place to find beautiful arrangements, but also a welcoming spot where friends and neighbors could stop in for a quick chat and leave with both flowers and a smile. A woman of remarkable talents and versatility, Gretchen moved seamlessly between raising mink, ranching, secretarial positions, owning a flower shop, and creating stunning stained-glass art. There was nothing she couldn't do or as she might have joked with her characteristic humor, nothing she couldn't fake! Gretchen's sharp wit and what her loved ones affectionately called her "terrifying" sense of humor brightened the lives of everyone around her. She was a quick study and mastered many different skills and professions throughout her colorful life, approaching each new challenge with determination and enthusiasm. She is survived by her son and family from Boise, ID, as well as her lifelong friend Celia and part-time foster daughter and supporter Cindy and her family residing in Enumclaw, WA. The community of Graham has lost a truly unique spirit whose creativity, humor, and love of animals touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Gretchen's ashes will be spread by her family and close friends on April 11 at the family farm. Rather than flowers, in keeping with Gretchen's support of animals, donations can be sent to Pasado's Safe Haven, an animal shelter and sanctuary, at PO Box 171, Sultan, WA 98294, or through their website at www.pasadosafehaven.org.