January 02, 1930 - November 06, 2021
On November 6, 2021, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother drew her final breath, joining our father Raymond C. Eppel Jr. at last. She was 91 years old. Gretchen was born January 2, 1930, to Samuel R. and Ruth M. (Davis) Lucas, the youngest of 5 children. Ray was born September 11, 1927, to Carl W. and Grace M. (Smith) Eppel, the oldest of 3 children. Gretchen was definitely a force to be reckoned with, and they lived their lives always together, until Carl left us way too soon on November 12, 2012, at the age of 85. They enjoyed traveling together, especially camping in their motorhome. After retiring, they moved campground hosting as often as possible. Some of their travel included going to Germany twice to visit family stationed there, seeing a great deal of the county and surrounding countries, including a cruise to Holland. When their military son got married, they traveled to Korea for the ceremony, stopping in Japan. Gretchen and Carl moved often, living in 7 different states. During their travels, they visited many more states, including a cruise to Alaska. After Carl’s passing, Gretchen settled in Spokane to be near family, including 2 of her children, a granddaughter, 3 great-grandchildren, and 5 of her great-great-grandchildren whom she loved spending as much time with as possible. They are survived by 5 children: Raymond C. Eppel Jr., Madella (Mindy) R. Walter (Robert), James E. Eppel (Ivonne), Michael J. Eppel (Ann), and John L. Eppel (Heather), 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, ad 5 great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. We wish to thank the many caregivers who took care of them both, most recently at Cherrywood Assisted Living where mom resided last, and especially everyone at Hospice House North where they made sure she had a peaceful and tranquil passing. You all are amazing! A celebration of their lives is planned for a later date.
