Gretchen Annabelle Haynes
June 12, 1936 - March 14, 2021
Obituary
Gretchen Annabelle (Olson) Haynes, 84, of Kent, Washington, passed away on March 14, 2021 due to complications of COVID-19. She was born on June 12, 1936 to parents Morris and Margaret Olson in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
She graduated from Forest Lake High School in 1954 then went on to study Health & Physical Education at Hamline University. She was invited to teach at the University of Nebraska Teacher’s College and later taught at the University of Idaho.
After growing up together in Forest Lake, Gretchen married David Arthur Haynes on December 27, 1963 and enjoyed the adventure of traveling and living in Idaho, Washington, California, Arizona, and Texas before settling in the Pacific Northwest to raise their daughters Heather and Heidi.
She was an active member of the community at Calvary Lutheran Church, serving on the church council, supporting education, and quietly helping others through various social justice and service programs.
She was known for her genuine kindness, keen intelligence, and an unwavering positive approach to life.
Gretchen is survived by her husband David Haynes, daughters Heather (Dawn) Haynes-O’Brien and Heidi Haynes, brothers Ted Olson and Rudy (Mary) Olson, and many loving cousins, extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Morris and Margaret Olson.
Due to COVID restrictions, an online memorial celebration will be held March 25th at 4pm Pacific Time. Please contact the family for log on information.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pete Andersen FUSION Family Center (https://fusionfederalway.org/pete-andersen-family-center/).
Dave, Heidi and Heather –
I don’t have words to express just how sorry I am about Gretchen’s passing. I feel so lucky every day that I married into this amazing family, and that I found such a wonderful friend in Gretchen. She was an inspiration with her generosity, kindness and selfless spirit, and she was genuinely one of the loveliest people I’ve ever known. My heart is broken for all of us that love her, and I am sending all of my love to the three of you.
Dawn
Heather, even though we have never meet your mother. It is evident that she was all the things you are, kind, loving, and beautiful. Keith and I send, you, Heidi, and your father our sympathy in this time of need.
Wardson Lambert
Keith LaVere
Heidi, Dave and Heather – Gretchen was such a wonderful light. Every time I was around her I was always comforted by her spirit, her laugh, and her pragmatic approach to life. She was a true Midwestern girl! I know she was truly a special person because of the daughters she raised. Heidi, your loving and giving nature is inspiring – I know you make her proud!
May her memory be a blessing to all of you.
Dave, Heather and Heidi,
I’m so sorry to hear of Gretchen’s passing. I remember her kind spirit during our get togethers at Forest Lake. My childhood memories of her include her genuine interest in others and her sense of peace and calm.
Praying for you all during this difficult time.
Sending love and hugs.
Nicole Olson Delich