FReeper GretchenM (formerly GretchenEE) has died.

Gretchen's son Mark | 31 July 2007 | DollyCali

[Jack Black]

I had no idea she was ill. I’ve exchanged emails off an on with her for years, often over Washington stuff. She was a thoughtful, intelligent, caring person. The type of old Freeper who made this place what it is.

I will miss her, as many others will.

GodSpeed, Gretchen.

[r9etb]

Sad, sad news. Prayers for Gretchen’s family.

[Mike Bates]

A prayer for Gretchen.

[dmd25]

Thanks to those who ping'd this sad news. Am on vacation and not checking in frequently.

Mark, I am so very sorry for your great loss. Your mom's faith was very evident to all--as was her love for you.

Please know that you are in my prayers.

[visualops]

Oh my goodness....prayers for her and her family.
Geez we’ve lost too many wonderful people from FR lately it seems.

[Spunky]

What a tribute to have raised a son such as Mark. My prayers are for the dear Lord to give him comfort in the loss of his mother.

[se_ohio_young_conservative]

R.I.P. My prayers are with her family.

Extremely sad to see another great FReeper pass.

I saw Gretchen around FR a lot over the years. She seemed like a great person. unfortunately I never got to know her personally.

It seems like few people even knew that she was even sick. What caused her death ? What were her long term health problems ?

[4woodenboats]

We will know in heaven the effect of our lives, when everyone gathers around the Lamb's throne and all our hearts are open and all our secrets known, and we have till forever to tell one another how God blessed us through each other

What beautiful words she wrote, and how appropriate that they should be shared on this thread.

Gretchen was a fellow WA state FReeper, and I don't think I ever met her. Looks like I missed out.

I'll save those words though, and share them from time to time.

Prayers up for GretchenM

[retrokitten]

I am shocked. Gretchen was such a nice lady. Always very welcoming and kind. God bless her. My deepest sympathies to her family. I cannot imagine their grief at losing such a great lady.

[jtill]

“Never Alone”, what a marvelous tribute to all of those who have gone before us.

May Gretchen’s loving and embracing family find the peace and comfort of God, knowing that she is pain-free and glowing in God’s love.

[AliVeritas]

Eternal Rest grant unto her... I will truly miss her.

Then again I can harass her in heaven as well for help.

God bless her wonderful family, and know she lives on with us who cared about her.

[Jim Robinson]

I’m so sorry. Prayers for Gretchen’s family and loved ones.

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

A great tribute from a son to his mother. Prayers for the family.

[Fudd Fan]

I didn’t see this until now. Dolly thanks for posting the inspirational letter from Gretchen’s son. I know how she will be missed around here.

Will keep in my prayers both Gretchen and her family.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

"It is very hard to watch the Rapture continue to take our dearest FReepers." My exact thought too, Patriciaruth. I'ts almost - how can we continue with GrechenM gone? I know her dear beloved son Mark - feels this way. GretchenM was a kind and gentle soul full of faith, courage, and love of this country and of freedom, and of others. What a legacy she leaves you, Mark. What a hole she leaves in so many hearts here on FR. But God will fill those holes and He will comfort you, Mark, with His Holy Spirit's comfort and strength somehow to get through this. Your tribute was, as others have said, one of the most beautiful things I have read here or anywhere since I've been here on FR.

The angels are, I know, rejoicing with Gretchen M at the throne of Jesus. But how much we needed her here. Is God taking the gentlest souls to spare them a very terrible time that's coming upon us? Sometimes I think that. We will pray for Gretchen's family and loved ones (many of them here) and I hope - know - she will be talking with the Lord Jesus about those left here to fight the good fight.

[DollyCali]

silent_jonny posted tonight's Dose in honor/tribute to Gretchen.

Do stop by & see the thread. Gretchen was for several years one of the Dose posters until her health required her to back away "for a short time"

August 1 DOSE

[JockoManning]

Dear Mark,

May the Lord hold you very very close through this time.

HE IS LORD OVER LIFE AND DEATH.

ROMANS 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and arose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

May you find solace in knowing your separation is temporary.

Praying for you dear brother,
jm

[AmericanMade1776]

To Mark,

I am deeply sadden at your Mother’s passing. It was only thru the thread about your Cousin Carrie, that I got to know your mother and your family. Gretchen was so faithful in keeping us posted about Carrie.

I just did not even know she was not feeling well. I do know Mark, that you come from a wonderful family. Love to you.

[AmericanMade1776]

lapsus calami wrote: Good grief - the past year has been rough in FReeperland. Prayers up for a beautiful lady - inside and out.

It certainly has.

[JustaCowgirl]

Mark, this is tremendously sad news. Many prayers for you and all of Gretchen’s family.

I remember corresponding with her about her tutoring of needy children, and providing her with some books that she could use. She was excited about helping her children, and wanted so much to make their lives better.

God has welcomed her into the company of angels, and she will be very much at home there.