Gretchen Hawf, 82, of Mt. Carmel, passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Deaconess Hospital.
She was born on April 20, 1930 in Wabash County, the daughter of Willard Hipsher and Inez (Thompson) Hipsher.
She was married to Rev. William Paul Hawf on May 26, 1946, in Henderson, Ky.
Gretchen was best known for her unending devotion and faithful commitment in serving the Lord, her family, her friends and her work. She spent the last 7 years working as the Office Manager for Wabash County Chamber of Commerce. Gretchen also worked as a part-time Office Assistant and Greeter for Short-Cunningham Funeral Homes for 13 years.
She was a member of, and pianist for, the Adams Corner Church. Gretchen also served as an Officer for the United Methodist Women Organization and Cunningham Children’s Home.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Paul Hawf; daughters, Paula (Joe) Webb of McLeansboro, Ill., Alison (Curtis) Dudley, and Jama Hawf, both of Mt. Carmel; son, Brad (Brenda) Hawf of Deltona, Fla.; sisters, Mary Story of Virginia, and Connie (Phil) Walters of Clinton, Ind.; brothers, Roy (Deanna) Hipsher of St. Francisville, Ill., Jesse (Sue) Hipsher of Bartlet, Tenn., Scott (Debbie) Hipsher of Allendale, and Jack Hipsher of St. Louis; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents; son, Gary Lee Hawf; brother, Will Hipsher; sister, Jessica Hipsher; and grandson, Matthew Hawf.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 512 North Mulberry St., Mt. Carmel.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, at Trinity United Methodist Church, with burial following the service at Adams Corner Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wabash Area Vocational Enterprises, Inc., 1420 West 3rd St., Mt. Carmel, IL 62863.
Arrangements by Short Funeral Home in Mt. Carmel. Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com