Gretchen Hawf, 82, of Mount Carmel, Illinois passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Deaconess Hospital.

She was born on April 20, 1930 in Wabash County, Illinois, the daughter of Willard Hipsher and Inez (Thompson) Hipsher. She was married to Rev. William Paul Hawf on May 26, 1946, in Henderson, Kentucky.

Gretchen was best known for her unending devotion and faithful commitment in serving the Lord, her family, her friends, & her work. She spent the last 7 years working as the Office Manager for Wabash County Chamber of Commerce. Gretchen also worked as a Part-time Office Assistant & Greeter for Short-Cunningham Funeral Home for 13 years. She was a member of and pianist for the Adams Corner Church. Gretchen also served as an Officer for the United Methodist Women Organization and Cunningham Children's Home.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Paul Hawf; daughters, Paula (Joe) Webb of McLeansboro, IL, Alison (Curtis) Dudley, & Jama Hawf both of Mt. Carmel, IL; son, Brad (Brenda) Hawf of Deltona, FL; sisters, Mary Story of Virginia, Connie (Phil) Walters of Clinton, IN; brothers, Roy (Deanna) Hipsher of St. Francisville, IL; Jesse (Sue) Hipsher of Bartlet, TN; Scott (Debbie) Hipsher of Allendale, IL; Jack Hipsher of St. Louis, MO; 7 Grandchildren; 16 Great Grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; son, Gary Lee Hawf; brother, Will Hipsher; sister, Jessica Hipsher; and grandson, Matthew Hawf.

Visitation will be from 4 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 512 North Mulberry, Mount Carmel, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at Trinity United Methodist Church with burial following the service at Adams Corner Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wabash Area Vocational Enterprises, Inc., 1420 W. 3rd Street, Mount Carmel, Illinois 62863.