I first met Gretchen many years ago , her grandmother was my patient at the nursing home … Gretchen and her mom would visit often to see her grandmother and I would always talk with both of them .
I was also with Gretchen and her mother at orange park medical center when her grandmother took her last breath ,
Gretchen was such a loving ,caring soul 

I am so very sad to find out today (on her birthday) that Gretchen passed away. We were best friends in North Platte, NE, living just a few doors down from each other, across from the high school.  I have so many fond memories of her and her family. We had fun playing together, in and out of school, and were in Brownies together. We shared a love of animals and of nature (she loved her dog Fritz). After her dad died, they left North Platte. We reconnected in our adult years, via letters and Facebook, but never got together - something I will always regret. My deepest sympathies to Kevin and Nicholas and her extended family. She was very special; she will always hold a special place in my heart. 😢

Gretchen and I were primarily close to each other in High School.  She always loved Kevin!!  She and I had so many fun times together but we lost track of each other because I moved to Louisiana after going to U of F…..so fast forward a few years and I have moved to Nashville, TN and am working a not so fun retail job and I run into Gretchen and Kevin in the department store where I worked! So my then husband and I got to venture out in Nashville with Kevin and Gretchen.  I was so happy to have someone from home living in what was a new place to me in Tennessee!!  And as time went on we both moved to different towns and didn’t stay connected.  I always just loved Gretchen and she was one of the kindest and gentlest persons that I ever have known.  Kevin was one of my first friends in Vero Beach way back in 3rd grade and I know he will miss her terribly and I send my condolences to both Kevin and Nicholas.  I’m so sorry that you lost her at such a young age.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and I’m so sad that she is gone.  May we all be reunited one day in heaven.

Kevin was and is still my best Buddy. We grew up together on the ocean a couple of roads apart. Our stories are one of legends the times we had. I remember Kevin picking me up for school in his Karman Ghia and then we picked up Gretchen she road in my lap. What a great and loving person. Some folks just leave to early but I know we will see them again so no worries 

When I think of Gretchen, I see her beautiful smile.  She was such a sweet, gentle lady full of love and happiness.  She left footprints on everyone she met and will be missed by all.  Pastor Wes Olds from Grace Church once said: “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly!”  Gretchen loved all of God’s creatures and I like to think of her free spirit in this poem by Kathryn Poland (12 Apr 2001):
Messenger of God 
Oh, Little Butterfly, Messenger of God,
When I see you in the sky, I cannot help but nod.
You bring me respite from grief and despair
Every time I see you sailing through the air.
You renew my faith in all God’s wondrous plan,
And I know it’s all in FAITH,
Not in what I understand.


Gretchen touched my life just when I needed spiritual guidance, as we all do daily, however , our Pastor at the time, realized our love for the children, so we teamed up, began sharing the Word to them, and to each other. I loved her and I knew she would be my forever friend👼 I am heartbroken for her family, my thoughts and prayers are with them. She will be dearly missed😔

Gretchen was such a kind and generous soul. Her heart for the animal kingdom was special. They were like her children. She tried to nurture them, find homes for them and make sure they were treated humanely. 

I worked with Gretchen for several years in the dental business.  She was a very sweet and gentle soul who loved her family and all the stray and injured animals of the world. Amazingly talented.  My deepest sympathy for Kevin and Nicholas.

I have no words.  Gretchen and I have kept up on FB as recent as last week.   I am broken hearted with this news and can't imagine the pain her sweet husband and son are feeling.   I have such fond memories of us working together for many years.   Prayers for Kevin and Nicholas  for comfort and strenghth.  Janis Schmitz

I just received a call from Dr. Burnsides office, Dena, sharing this tragic news. Kevin, Earl and I are so sadly . deeply touched by this news. I know we have not kept in touch for years, but always have thoughts at different times of Gretchen and your  family  through the years. My memories, working with Gretchen at the dental office of course. Hanging out with your Blues band practicing and doing shows. Excitingly sharing her news of  her getting pregnant with Nicholas.  And I am sure their are many other memories. We pray you and your family will be strengthened and saturated with Peace  of Jesus Christ ,beyond all understanding, through your loss. Love , Sandy and Earl

OBITUARY

Gretchen Louise Ossenfort

August 8, 1955 – May 9, 2021

Hardage - Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home

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