Obituary of Gretchen Nelda James

  Ethan - Gretchen Nelda James, 78, died at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls on Sunday, October 2, 2022. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.

   Gretchen Nelda James was born on November 10, 1943 to Daniel Eugene and Erma Jenne (Fisher) Whipple in Spokane, WA. She spent her childhood in Washington where she attended school in Reardan, WA before settling in Marysville, CA. She worked as an LVN for many years which she loved. After retiring she moved to South Dakota where she was a member of Amazing Grace Free Lutherans Church in Mt. Vernon, SD. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed sewing, writing and recording world events. She was a warrior in the battle for freedom. 

   She is survived by her children, Jamie Hendrix of WA , Heidi and husband Alan of ME, Saul Kemble of CA, Aaron James and wife, Ressa of OR and Jerimiah James of CA, a brother, Donnie Whipple of CA and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her beloved Chihuahua, Charles and 3 cats. She was also loved by her huge online family and will be missed dearly. 

   She was preceded in death by her parents and 4 sisters, Nancy Shannon, Annie Lancaster, Marjorie House and Connie Sue Gillingham.

   RIP Gretchen, we got this.