Gretchen Gast Hartman, of Bloomington, passed away on Nov. 18, 2021, at 1:50 p.m. at IU Health Hospice House at the age of 73.
She was born on Feb. 18, 1948, at McDonald Hospital in Warsaw, to Robert W. and Marjorie D. Anglin Gast.
Gretchen graduated in 1966 from Warsaw High School and attended Stephens College. On April 22, 1967, she married John H. Hartman, who survives.
Gretchen was a friendly face at the Warsaw Post Office front desk for many years. She and John later started their own art and framing business after learning the trade. For twenty years, Gretchen enjoyed serving customers at Blue Heron Artworks and helping them select original artwork, prints, frames, mats and jewelry. Gretchen was truly in her element and loved being part of the Winona Lake artists’ colony.
Gretchen was blessed with 54 years of marriage. She and John adored their poodles - Annie, Margie and Charlie - and took many trips to the Florida Panhandle with their sweet dogs. Gretchen maintained lifelong friendships (some lasting over sixty years) and looked forward to yearly Brown County “girls weekends.” She was thankful for dear friends’ phone calls and visits and loved spending time laughing about past adventures and special memories.
Gretchen will be lovingly remembered by her husband: John Hartman; daughter: Anne Hohman (Chris); son: Matt Hartman (Jodi); grandchildren: Ryan, Brooks, and Katie Hohman, and Ben Hartman. She also leaves behind her father: Bob Gast; two brothers: Rob Gast (Nancy) and Bill Gast (Janie); and four sisters: Ann Pinnick (Tim), Maritza Richards (John), Mary Jane Gast Myers, and Lilliana Gast; sister-in-law, Beth Hollingsworth (Tom); and brother-in-law, Chuck Hartman. She was preceded in death by her mother in 2012.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.
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Memorial donations can be given in Gretchen’s name to IU Hospice House, 2810 Deborah Drive Bloomington, IN 47403. Our family is so thankful for the loving care by the Hospice nurses, doctors, staff, and volunteers.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
