Gretchen Hossler Obituary (2022) – Yuma, AZ

Gretchen Ann (Hedman) Hossler

March 2, 1945 – June 5, 2022

Gretchen Ann (Hedman) Hossler was born March 2, 1945 in San Francisco, CA and passed away from complications to her heart and lungs on June, 5, 2022 at the age of 77.

Gretchen lived an amazing life, she attended Palma High School in Salinas, CA and upon graduation she attended the University of Arizona in Tucson. While growing up in Corral de Tierra, Gretchen developed into a very accomplished equestrian. Mrs. Allen Patee had a World Class stable in the area and Gretchen was one of her most recognized riders. Gretchen Rode Hunter-Jumpers for Mrs. Patee at The National Horse Show in Monterey, CA, and at the Grand National Livestock Show at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. This was a talent that she shared in Yuma after making this her home. Gretchen was known for picking up students from the various schools all over the county to take them to the Shady Hollow Equestrian Center to give riding lessons. Gretchen owned over 15 lesson horses at one time. She devoted over twenty-five years to giving the opportunity to ride and learn proper horsemanship to hundreds of youth and adults in the Yuma community.

She was a Realtor with ERA Matt Fischer for forty-six (46) years (since 1976) and was still actively working at her time of passing. Gretchen was a regular in the Top Ten Realtors at ERA. Additionally, to date, Gretchen was the Realtor with longest employment history with any one company. She loved working at ERA and especially those she worked with, many memories have been shared of her life on Rodeo Drive or monopolizing the mobile home parks. She was a special kind of Realtor that developed lifelong relationships with her clients. Gretchen served on the Yuma Association of Realtors and was a Realtor Emeritus with NAR (40 years of service). Gretchen will always be remembered by her consistent work ethic.

Gretchen loved the Yuma community and in 1981 she was elected as a Fair Commissioner and over the following 41 years she served on the Yuma County Fair Board several terms and was the first female President for the Yuma County Fair in 1983 and again in 2000. Gretchen had a great love for animals and in the late 80’s she served as the President of the Yuma County Humane Society (and served on the board for over 20 years). She never met a dog she didn’t love or a cat she didn’t try to rehome.

Gretchen was also known for her compassion to helping those in need, whether it be donating to an Angel on the Salvation Army Angel Tree, Elks Christmas baskets, back to school shopping, or giving side work to those struggling to get on their feet and make ends meet. Gretchen had a heart for helping others without recognition.

Gretchen was a Charter Member and Past President of the Yuma Sunrise Rotary Club. She was an active member and served on various projects and committees. She was intricately involved in the Don’t Meth With Me program, The Wheelchair Foundation, Matching Grant Programs for the Playground in Algodones, and also was a member of several District Conference committees. Gretchen was also a Paul Harris Fellow and Major Donor. She was also a Host Mom to over 11 Rotary Youth Exchange Students from all over the world. Gretchen was recognized with the Four Avenues of Service Award. Aside from Rotary, Gretchen also participated in many other charitable organizations in Yuma, including the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks and a member of the Moose.

Gretchen was so many wonderful things, but most of all, she was an outstanding Mom, Nana and companion. Her favorite holidays were Thanksgiving and Christmas. She loved to decorate for the holidays and spend time with friends and family. She enjoyed traveling, playing the slots, sharing a tidbit of humor, and having a glass of wine with friends and family. She is deeply missed but her spirit will live on in the memories shared.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, David J. Hossler.

Gretchen is survived by her daughter, Devon McPherson; granddaughter Alodie Mondry (Hunter) and companion Bruce Stillman.

A Celebration of Life for Gretchen will be held at the Elks Lodge 1917 W. 32nd Street, Yuma, AZ on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 2:00 pm.

Please sign the guest book at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun

Published by Yuma Sun on Jul. 3, 2022.

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