Gretchen Louise Huebner walked joyfully through the Gates of Heaven on Monday, January 6, 2025, surrounded and held by her loving family. Following her holy welcome from our Lord Jesus, she most certainly fell into the embrace of her beloved husband Larry.
A few thoughts and words that come to mind that describe our mom, grandma, aunt, and friend Gretchen: full of life, feisty, passionate, devoted, courageous, joyful, sparkle… From her youngest years at Manhattan Beach, Gretchen was passionate about animals, rescuing and adopting dogs, cats, bunnies, even a goat she named Ferdinand. Jeremiah, her most recent cuddly, furry friend was fourteen years her shadow and little love-bug.
Gretchen was and always remained passionately devoted to her UCLA Bruins, and as the head pep girl, with her twinkling blue eyes, she most definitely caught the attention of one UCLA star athlete named Larry! They married following their senior year and shared 56 beautiful, love-filled years.
Mom’s cheerleading didn’t end at UCLA; as many who knew her, she was a dedicated fan at courtside, the sidelines, the bleachers, the theatre ~ wherever her family (husband, children, grand-children) were performing. She was supremely proud of us all, ready to bend the ear of anyone near enough to share even the most minor of accolades .
Gretchen had her own competitive achievements too, most notably in bridge. Having earned master points, it was something to watch her play and see that moment in her feisty, twinkling eyes when she knew she could make a Grand Slam. Mom loved the community of Fresno ladies she played with (and Steve Blumberg!); her bridge games were always a highlight for her.
Mom was greeted in Heaven with joy and celebration by her husband Larry, her brother Roy, her grandson Chase, and niece Lynn. She is survived and remembered by her beloved family: son Jim and his wife Heidi and daughters Kaelin and her husband Dylan, Zoe and fiancé Fernando, and Hallie and fiancé Scott; son John and his wife Kim and son Noah and his partner Sarah; daughter Karin; sister-in-law Kathie; nephews Mark, Donn, and Paul and their families. And the family wants to especially thank “auntie” Michele for helping mom so much in the last five years find comfort and joy.
Dearest Gretchen ~ Mom, Grandma, friend:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025, 1:00 PM at The Fig Garden Swim and Racquet Club.
In lieu of flowers, our mom and dad would most appreciate donations to the Salvation Army or the Dementia Society.
