Gretchen Rodgers

GRETCHEN LYNN (HENDERSHOT) RODGERS
Gretchen was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in Centerville, IA, on December 30, 1932. She died peacefully, on April 12, 2018, at Carondelet Village Care Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 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 to 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 relished devoting her time and talents in more quiet and unassuming ways. She served on the Board of Directors of YWCA Camp and was a long time member of PEO where she served as president of her chapter from 1974 to 1976. Gretchen was a volunteer nurse for Planned Parenthood in the 1960's and 70's. She served 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 Festival of Trees. She served on the inaugural committee and then for almost two decades helping to raise funds for Blank Children's Hospital. She also enjoyed her time working with students as a substitute nurse and substitute instructor In Des Moines Public Schools Licensed Practical Nurse Program.
Gretchen was an excellent swimmer and diver. She was a member of the water ballet team at Gulf Park College. She was an accomplished equestrian and has a trunkful of ribbons 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 of 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 to 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 that her schedule allowed.
Gretchen was predeceased by her parents. Gretchen 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. She is also survived by her sisters, Judy Hendershot and Ann Singer. Gretchen will be missed by her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service for Gretchen will be held next fall following the return of her grandson from overseas deployment. Notice will be given at that time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Gretchen Hendershot Rodgers Scholarship Fund within the Centerville Community Schools Foundation - P.O. Box 1054, Centerville, IA 52544 ~ or ~ Grace United Methodist Church - 3700 Cottage Grove, Des Moines, IA 50311.