Gretchen Arends Obituary

lifetime tributes and slideshow for Gretchen at www.mem.com

Dear John & Judy,



We're so very sorry to hear about your daughter, Gretchen. I can't even imagine what you're going through right now. Hopefully, all your memories of her - plus having your little granddaughter with you - will help you through this very difficult time.



With our deepest sympathy,

Dear Arends Family & Friends-

I have known Gretchen since high school when we worked at the Sheraton Hotel (changed to Radisson). We also had classes together at Rampart High School. I have since left Colorado, but my father, Dan Porter, sent me the article on Gretchen. My family has known the Arends for years (my father did some work for John and Judy) and Gretchen and I created many fun memories that will last a lifetime! Although I moved and lost contact with Gretchen, Gretchen always held a special place in my heart! She will be deaply missed by all.

Best wishes to her family. May God be with you during this difficult time!

Love,

John,Judy&Family

This has come to me with such shock and my heart goes out to you and your family and little Sierra.Gretchen and I had not been in contact for a few years, but I thought of her often and missed her very much! We grew up together did allot of the things for the first time together. I will have those memories for a lifetime! she was for many, many years a best friend and confidant and she will live in my heart forever! I am so sorry that I could not be there to say goodbye! God Bless you all

Arends family~



Although our friendship seemed to have faded upon her move to CO, I spent many years trying to track down Gretchen. I will never forget the wonderful childhood memories Gretchen and I shared. Funny, we use to play the game CLUE for hours in the basement, trying to make our selves scared, playing barbies, just being little girls. (The things you remember). It is unfortunate that we didn't get a chance to connect, but I have faith that Gretchen's spirit will live on in her daughter!

I am so terribly sorry to hear of your loss.

Dear Judy and John,



What a painful loss. Unfortunately, I know what you are feeling and I ache for you. Remember, with love, all things endure. For though they may pass from this earth, they live on in the hearts of those who have loved them. Please know you are in my heart and prayers during this difficult time.



With deepest sympathy,

We are sorry about your loss. We have thought and prayed for you and your family. May God comfort you all like only he can.

My deepest sorrows go out to the Ahrends family and little Sierra. I use to call Sierra our mascot at Pulte. If you were to see Gretchen you can bet that within minutes you would also see Heather or Aleia. I think Billi first started calling them Charlies Angels. I believe Gretchen is a true Angel now! I find it difficult to understand why Gretchen had to go at such a young age. I guess God has a reason and a better place for Gretchen at this time. I will never forget Gretchen. God Bless

John and Judy,

We are sorry for your loss. Our family prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

John and Judy,

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that the joy Sierra brings and the happy memories of Gretchen as well as the strength of God, will bring you peace.

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Gretchen was a great person and will be missed by many.

The first time I met Gretchen was at our company party. Soon after Aleia introduced us, I began to complain that I wanted a Martini. "See that man?" as she points to Kevin, "tell him you want one." I followed her command and got exactly what I desired. This was my first taste of Gretchen's "and my will be done" attitude. I found it very compelling and was immediately drawn to her.



Soon after I was officaly made a part of her team at Pulte consisting of other friends, many of whom have written entries here. Gretchen and I developed a fast friendship. I was in awe of Sierra and she was always a delight. I still have a pet rock she made me.



I could not help but to admire Gretchen's accomplishments. Here she was, working full time at a stressful job, dealing with everything that goes on with being a single mother, and attending DU working on her Graduate degree. That takes a strong person!



Gretchen and I became close during our short time together, although I wish we had been closer the past months.



She was a deep and caring friend and mother. I learned a lot about love from her interactions with Sierra. Any one that knows Gretchen, knows Sierra...and also knows that she cared for her daughter above all else.



Gretchen, was as Brad said, a great confidant. We shared many a late night gossiping, sharing secrets, and general girl talk.



Life was not always easy for Gretchen, but she tried to live it to the fullest. We had many a laugh together. We shared a simliar outlook on many aspects of life. A little dry at times, with the ability to see things a little to clearly for our own good.



I loved her laugh, yet when remembering her, it is her eyes that strike my heart. They themselves were an ocean. Beautiful and changing with her emotion. Not to mention her scary "mommy eyes" that meant she was pissed! We all knew to watch out for them.



One of my favorite times with Gretchen was camping in the summer of '04. We went up with a couple of friends, Sierra, and a dog. The dog kept knocking down Sierra, we couldn't swim in an area of filled with lakes, and were experiencing general misfortune. Gretchen was just happy to be outside in the woods. She seemed at peace outside.



I pray that she is at peace now in the arms of Jesus. I only wish He wouldn't have taken her so soon. She needed more time. She has not seen all there is to see. She has not been able to watch her daughter grow and have daughter's of her own. It is not fair, yet I must believe there is a higher purpose. I question life at times like these...



I will miss Gretchen deepy and grieve for her family. These are the darkest of times, yet Sierra will grow, and life is like a river, constantly moving forward. Gretchen will live on in the minds and hearts of all who knew her. We will keep her spirit with us for the rest of our lives.



We will not forget.

We are very sad and sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.



Sincerely,

Dawn & Mark Haisley

My thoughts and feelings go out to the Arends family.I will never forget the precious memories of Gretchen.Its not possible to have a sweeter and more beautiful friend in life.I feel very fortunate to have experienced a great person like Gretchen.I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU GRETCHEN! Mike

Dear John & Judy,

Your loss is so very painful. Let God take care of you. Only he knows why she had to leave you now. He will help you if you ask him. Our prayers are with you both and your family. Loving regards,

Bob & Linda Pyne

Dear John and Judy and family,

We just heard of Gretchen's accident and words cannot express our sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Our love to you, Heather, Tiffany and Sierra.

Dear John, Judy, and Gretchens family,

Words can never express the pain and sorrow you are feeling right now during your loss. My heart goes out to your family, and know you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Gretchen was the sister i never had, even though she was my sister in law, I will miss her dearly!

To the Arends family,

There are no words that can express the deep sorrow I feel for you in your loss. I am praying for your family. I know God is with you and will give you the love and strength you need to get through this difficult time. Phil. 4:13

I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn about Gretchen. I want everyone to know that I loved to hear her laugh and that little snort she had sometimes. I will miss her and wish that I could have had more time to spend with her. She was an amazing person. God Bless you all.

Dear John, Judy and Family,



I am so incredibly sorry and sadden to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter. Words can not express my sorrow, but please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.



Sincerely,

Stephanie Lane

RE/MAX First Associates

Dear brother, sister-in-law, and Heather and Tiffany,

Our hearts are broken, and we will miss more than words can express that lovely, antimated daughter, sister, and our niece. She gave us all so much joy, and we have so many special memories of when she was here playing with her cousins on our Iowa farm.

May God bless and keep her now for all of us. Surely she is with her Papa and Grandma.

Our prays are with you and your family. We are so sorry to hear about your loss.

John, Judy, Heather and Mike, Tiffany, Sierra and all of Gretchen's loved ones. Our hearts are broken with your loss. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Words can't express our sadness for your family. We pray God's comfort on each and every one of you during this difficult time.

Dear Arends and Family,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Gretchen is such a wonderful person inside and out. Even though we have not kept in touch for a couple of years, I thought we would grow old together. She was my best friend for as long as I can remeber. Always could count on her and she was such a good and honest friend. I will alway have her in my heart forever. If any of you need anything please e-mail me. God Bless You and your family.

What I remember the most about Gretchen is how much she loved her

beautiful daughter Sierra. Sierra

was the apple of her eye. However,

I know that GOD will watch over

Sierra for Gretchen.

My condolences to John, Judy, Sierra and all of Gretchen’s family. Gretchen will always be remembered in my heart and mind as a wonderful person with a lot of love and happiness to share with everyone. I am glad to have had the opportunity to be friends with Gretchen.

We wish that you didn't have this pain and sorrow. We hold you close to our hearts.

Words can hardly express the loss we all feel about losing Gretchen. A true friend and a confidant, one knew she would always be there for you. I will always remember how much fun it was to be around Gretchen. Even on my worst days I could always count on her to make me smile. Though the time I knew her was much too short, I do thank God that he did give me the privlege of having her in my life.



God Bless you Gretchen.



Brad

Dear John & Judy,

My heart is full of sadness over the loss of your precious daughter. May God Almighty send to you the strength and healing needed in such a tragic time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear John and Judy,

I can not find the right words to say how sorry I am for your loss. My mom (Diana Montoya)has known you and your family for years, and I have often heard such wonderful things about your family. My warmest thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.