Gretchen Ann (Smith) Brewer went home to be with the Lord, October 25, 2013 after a short battle with cancer. Gretchen was born August 7, 1941 in Clay Center, KS, the oldest daughter of Walter “Pete” and Dorothy (Olson) Smith. Gretchen lived in many communities in central Kansas, settled in McPherson and graduated from McPherson High School in 1959. She attended Bethany College. In 1961, she was united in marriage to George Leon Brewer in McPherson, to whom she was married 52 years.

To this union three children were born; Eric, Sarah and Tad. Gretchen was blessed with six grandchildren. In 1963 they moved to Olathe, KS where Leon accepted a teaching position in the Olathe School District. Gretchen also worked for the Olathe School District, retiring in 1999.

Through the years, Gretchen was active in various organizations including Grace United Methodist Church, Cedar House, Olathe School District Retired Employees Association, various clubs and social activities.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her father Walter “Pete” Smith, mother Dorothy (Olson) Smith, and brother Thomas Smith. She is survived by her husband Leon, children Eric (Jerri) Brewer, Spring Hill, KS, Sarah (Dennis) Osborn, Chanute, KS, Tad (Heather) Brewer , Spearfish, SD, grandchildren Taylor Brewer, Sophie and Jackson Osborn, Jacob, Logan and Griffin Brewer, sisters Sonja (Leroy) See and Cindy (Jerry) Pottroff, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Gretchen was a loving, kind hearted, wonderful woman. All who knew her would describe her as caring, supportive, strong, and patient. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She will be missed dearly.

Visitation will be Friday Nov. 1, 5pm to 8pm at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home, Olathe. Memorial Service will be Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 pm at Grace United Methodist Church, Olathe.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials to Olathe Public Schools Foundation or Olathe Public Schools Retired Employees Association Scholarship Fund.