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Obituary for Gretchen Ann Bettcher
Gretchen Ann Bettcher went into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on March 20, 2019.
She was born in Buffalo, New York on September 26, 1941 to parents John C. And Frances M. (nee. Thomas) Liegl. She attended elementary and high school in Kenmore, New York and in the late 70’s she moved to Texas and worked for Whataburger as a manager. Gretchen eventually transitioned to the 7-11 Corporation, where she worked her way up from store manager to training franchise owners, which had her traveling to different cities and meeting new people. In 1985, she moved to Michigan and following her retirement in 2006, she enjoyed trips with her family, scrap booking, reading and traveling.
In 1982, she found her love and faith for the Lord Our God. As a member of the West Highland Baptist Church, she served her church family in various roles, including acting as missions director, working in the nursery, supporting summer camp, and starting and leading the teenage girls’ groups. She got particular joy from teaching the children at Sunday school and helping spread the word of God to little ones. Gretchen especially enjoyed doing mission work for those desperately in need. As she was fond of saying, “I get more joy from helping these people than I ever give to them”. Gretchen went on several mission trips over the years to Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, and Burma/Myanmar. She was particularly passionate about her work with ‘Mission Haiti’, living amongst the people and becoming immersed in their culture. By sharing first-hand how locals lived, she felt she had a much better and richer experience than staying in “some American hotel”.
Anyone who met Gretchen could not deny her love of life, outgoing and caring manner and the fact that she never met a stranger!!!
Gretchen was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Bettcher and parents. She is survived by her brother, Tom Liegl and his wife, Mary; sister, Patricia Solis and husband Raul; brother, John Liegl and Barbara; sister, Joanne Swain and Dennis; sister, Cathy (the late Les) Griffin. She is also survived by her three children, Joanne, Clay and Lisa; four great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, sixteen nieces and nephews, thirty great nieces and nephews. She leaves behind an equally large family among her close friends and church membership.
Memorial Visitation will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty St., Milford on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 3-8 PM.
A Memorial Service will take place at West Highland Baptist Church, 1116 S Hickory Ridge Rd, Milford on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 11 AM, with visitation beginning at 10 AM.
In lieu of flowers, Gretchen requested that donations be directed to Restore Haiti, PO Box 680278, Franklin, TN 37068.
For further information, phone Lynch & Sons, Milford at 248-684-6645.
