Gretchen Lynn Rodgers (nee Hendershot)

Gretchen was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Centerville, Iowa on December 30, 1932. She died peacefully on April 12, 2018 at Carondelet Village Care Center in St. Paul, MN after a long and valiant struggle with Parkinson’s disease. She was the second of three daughters born to Carl Elton and Carmen (Holliday) Hendershot. She attended Centerville Public Schools graduating from Centerville High School in 1950. She attended Gulf Park College in Gulfport, MS for one year then transferred to the University of Iowa where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1954. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and she became a lifelong Hawkeye fan. She married Louis Dean Rodgers on February 19, 1954. They lived in Des Moines from 1960 until 2015.

Gretchen was a kind and gentle soul who dedicated her life to family and community. She, of course, did not create kindness, thoughtfulness or gentleness but she perfected them. She took the occasional leadership role but preferred devoting her time and talents to more quiet and unassuming pursuits. She served on the Board of Directors of the YWCA Camp and was a long time member of PEO and served as president of her chapter from 1974 to 1976. She served on the Terrace Hill Restoration Committee lead by Iowa’s First Lady, Billie Ray when the home was undergoing conversion and furnishing to become the Governor’s Mansion. She served several years as a parent volunteer for Youth Activities at Grace Methodist Church and was a Girl Scout troop leader.

One of Gretchen’s favorite volunteer positions was with the Iowa Methodist Health Foundation’s Festival of Trees. She served on the inaugural committee and then for almost two decades helping raise funds for Blank Children’s Hospital. She also enjoyed her time spent working with the students as a substitute instructor in the Des Moines Public Schools Licensed Practical Nurse Program.

Gretchen was an excellent swimmer and diver and was a member of the water ballet team at Gulf Park College. She was an accomplished equestrian and collected a trunkful of ribbons, trophies and medals won at State Fairs and Arabian Horse Shows after her daughters left for college. She produced beautiful art work that was seldom seen because she was very modest about displaying it. She had a great love and respect for nature and knew virtually every bird of Iowa not only by its markings but also by its song.

Family and friends were the core of Gretchen’s life. She was a dedicated friend, daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She was the number one cheerleader for her daughters at their music recitals, and when they were swimming, playing tennis or showing horses. After raising girls, she was introduced into the world of boys with the birth of her grandsons. Over time she became a booster of football, basketball, baseball, hockey and track. She traveled to Minnesota to attend every game her schedule allowed.

Gretchen was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Louis; her daughters, Cindy Rodgers and Liz Boyd; son-in-law, Tom Boyd; her grandsons, Tommy and Louie Boyd; and her new granddaughter-in-law, Kailey Boyd. Gretchen is also survived by her sisters, Ann Singer and Judy Hendershot. She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held for Gretchen on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove in Des Moines, IA with visitation one hour prior. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace United Methodist Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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