Gretchen Abeling

GRETCHEN ABELING

Monticello

Gretchen Lee Abeling left this earth peacefully early Saturday morning, Feb. 14, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Peace United Church of Christ, Monticello. Pastor Michael Cleeton will officiate at the services. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Gretchen to the Alzheimer's Association or Peace United Church of Christ in Monticello.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Gretchen was born Oct. 7, 1942, in Palatine Bridge, N.Y., to Austin (Orson) Smith and Hazel Bryant Smith. The youngest of four daughters, Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Karen.

After graduating from Canajoharie High School in New York, Gretchen Smith married Robert "Bob" Abeling on April 27, 1962, in Center Glenville, N.Y., and settled in St. Johnsville, N.Y. In late February 1981, Bob and Gretchen moved from St. Johnsville to Monticello, Iowa.

Together, Bob and Gretchen brought four sons into this world. Gretchen is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Bob; sons, Robert (Rhonda) of Bloomington, Ill., Todd (Corinne) of Bloomington, Ill., Jeff (Kathy) of Des Moines and Brian (Janna) Abeling of West Des Moines; and nine grandchildren, Matthew, Haleigh, Logan, Alecia, Lindsey, Jordan, Trevor, Wil and Carrie. Also surviving are Gretchen's two remaining sisters, Jeanne Slaper and Joan Crabill, both of Canajoharie, N.Y.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Though she endured much pain and many health challenges over the last five years, Gretchen did not complain. The last three weeks were particularly hard on Gretchen after suffering many complications following surgery. She showed great strength and compassion toward others in her time of need and appreciated all the help and support from the various teams of doctors, and especially her family, who were by her side.

Gretchen was an example to her family of how to give and serve others. Always offering to help those around her, she was often involved in fundraising for her church and taking care of others.

Gretchen was an active member of Peace United Church of Christ in Monticello, where she served as a member of the Consistory. Before retiring, Gretchen worked with HACAP and the county senior dining program.

Gretchen loved her husband, sons and grandchildren more than anything in the world. She and Bob went everywhere together; even a trip to Menards was a trip together. She was an avid reader, enjoyed cross stitch and other creative activities.

Gretchen left this world a better place because of who she was. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Now, we all have one special angel to watch over us.

The family would like to thank Above and Beyond Hospice and Advantage Home Medical for making Gretchen's transition home so easy and comfortable.