Gretchen Ann White, born December 16 of 1972, passed away at the age of 47 on February 18th, 2020 at 11:40 p.m.
Most of her life she battled with alcoholism, which combined with complications following a weight loss surgery she hoped would improve her quality of life lead to a 3-year battle with fluctuating health issues. She suffered brain and nerve damage that left her physically disabled and unable to walk on her own, as well as kidney and liver failure that ultimately took her life.
But Gretchen was so much more than her disease and disability. She was a mother, a friend, a giver, passionate, loving and kindhearted woman who would strip the clothes off her back if it meant you were alright for the night.
Despite much adversity in her life, she always maintained a sense of humor, living life on her terms — to the fullest in every degree. A self-proclaimed beach bum with an insatiable wanderlust and fierce desire to be there for others, she lived for adventure and the outdoors, loved the water, and always enjoyed good company around a bonfire with tunes to dance to.
Her zest for an adventurous life led her to form many friendships, with a love for them and her family like no other, more often than not including gestures of kindness to ease the suffering of others, even if it was at her own expense.
If there was a road-trip to be had, Gretchen wanted to be on it. From lakes to mountains to valleys she was there for it, and if it meant taking the scenic back roads to get there, all the better. There was hardly a place you’d catch her without a hat, and preferably in her favorite color: pink.
She grew up playing sports during her school days, and this only further fueled her enjoyment for televised sporting events in her adult life. Basketball, baseball, football, golf — she loved it all whether she was playing herself or simply spectating. She was fiercely competitive and this extended into her many other hobbies including card games like Euchre, board games (especially Trivial Pursuit), and retro video games including Super Mario Bros, Galaga, The Legend of Zelda, Street Fighter, and Final Fantasy.
Gretchen also loved music, especially classic rock, as well as art; she occasionally created colored pencil artworks earlier in her adult life that were given to her daughter. While her life led to adventures and experiences, she was also educated — studying business, business management, and finance at Lansing Community College and Pellissippi State Community College. She would often offer her knowledge of finance to assist others as an independent tax consultant.
Although her addiction to alcohol consumed her health and life, her spirit was wild and free with a sprinkle of hippie love. The family encourages others who may know someone suffering from an addiction to extend support, love, patience, understanding, and communication to your loved ones during their plight — helping them to conquer this awful disease as much as you can before it’s too late.
Gretchen is survived by her mother Jean Cronk; father Leroy (Butch) White; step-father Roger Cronk; daughter Rachael Heacock Volpe and husband Nicholas Volpe; son Christopher White; brother Randy White; sister Che’rie Baldwin White and wife Dori Baldwin White; sister Tonja Hartcher and wife Sara Jo Beason Hartcher; brother Steve White; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, neices, and nephews that she all loved deeply.
Gretchen is preceded in death by brother John White and son Christopher’s Father Gerald “Jerry” Brooks.
A memorial gathering celebrating Gretchen’s life and offering a place for all who loved her to grieve together will be held in her honor on Saturday, February 22nd at 2 p.m. in Woodland, Michigan. Those who wish to leave a message of remembrance or condolences for Gretchen’s family can do here on her Tribute Wall.
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