Gretchen Hoffer Haynes

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mac (Buddy) Haynes; Freddie J. Hoffer (Dad); Gladys Lauer Hoffer (Mom); and her brother, Donald Ray Hoffer.

She is survived by her brother Freddie Joe Hoffer Jr and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gretchen started life in Sweet Home, Texas, where she enjoyed spending time at her grandparents’ store, “Hoffer Hardware-Grocery”. One of her favorite stories to tell was of a time when her grandfather was ill, and she had to work at the store alone as a young girl for several weeks while he was sick. She spoke of the town’s people all being patient with her, especially those who bought pipe and used the pipe cutter “out back.” “I didn’t know anything about that stuff, the men just took what they needed, used the machine and paid me what they owed, everyone looked out for one another back then.” Several years later, Gretchen and her family moved to Hallettsville where she finished school and worked various jobs. She spoke of a time she worked after school at the Renger Clinic. She cleaned lab supplies and “tried” to learn how to draw blood. She said she “didn’t really have the stomach to draw blood” and knew she would not be pursuing a job in that field, but she appreciated the experience.

Gretchen had many stories to share about growing up with her brothers, Freddie and Donnie. She explained how hard it was to have a social life with two big brothers always watching over her. “It was hard to find someone to dance with, having them in the dancehall staring at me all night.”

She told of working at the “Gin” in Hallettsville where she met a gentleman who, upon finding out she was planning a move to Houston, sent her to the HR department of Humble (later became Exxon) where she was hired on the spot. She said she was very grateful for that opportunity. Gretchen met the love of her life, Buddy, at an Exxon company party. She and Buddy married and had grand plans for their life together. Unfortunately, Buddy passed at an early age, succumbing to a sudden illness. Gretchen eventually moved to Victoria. She took a job with Seadrift Coke LLP as Logistics Assistant. She also cared for her parents and spent time with family members. She especially enjoyed time with her great-nephews – Jordan Chovanec and Tyler Chovanec- and her great-nieces – Hannah Hoffer and Bridget Hoffer.

Gretchen appreciated being included in family gatherings at her niece Yvette Zitterkopf's (Brian) home. Spending time there with her great-nephew Chase and her brother Freddie (Eunice), along with Brian’s parents, who were “the sweetest people,” gave her great pleasure.

Gretchen attended many family gatherings at her brother Don's (Donna) home. Wonderful BBQ courtesy of Don, Nathan, and Joe, and sweets prepared by Donna, Dawn, and Kami, were consumed, and great stories and jokes were told.

Gretchen enjoyed music (inherited from her mother - “mom always had music playing at home”) and reading. She enjoyed fishing at her parents’ tank and remembers “Scooter” (nephew Donald Hoffer Jr) being the “best fisherperson in the family, behind mom, of course.” She spent time bargain hunting at garage sales and talking to anyone who would listen. She was a great gatherer of friends.

Gretchen loved meeting friends for an evening of live music at Ramsey’s café. Ramsey continued to be a favorite place to visit with her niece Naomi. Over the past several years, they visited the cafe almost every Thursday for lunch, followed by a ride through Riverside Park.

Gretchen adored her neighborhood and the friends she had there. She routinely sat on her bench in the front yard, enjoying conversation with everyone as they walked by. She especially enjoyed the company of Julie, Pattie, and Buddy, who always watched out for her and spent time visiting her, walking her dog, and ensuring she was safe and cared for. Gretchen loved her German Shepherds: Max, King, Miller, Beau, Caia, and Caia II. They meant the world to her.

Gretchen was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Honoring her by serving as pallbearers are Donald Hoffer Jr., Jordan Chovanec, Tyler Chovanec, Chase Zitterkopf, Brian Zitterkopf, and Darrel Chovanec.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Victoria County Animal Services – 122 Perimeter Road, Victoria, Texas 77901 on behalf of Gretchen Haynes and Caia II (Bruce), who was adopted from the shelter and was a loving and devoted companion to Gretchen for the past two years.

A Rosary will be held on January 3, 2026, at 10:30 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Sweet Home, located at 7372 FM 531, Hallettsville, TX, 77964, with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM.

The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on the same day at 11:00 am at the same venue.