Gretchen Louise Walsh

Gretchen Louise Walsh, 84, died peacefully on April 26, 2010 at her home in Caldwell, Idaho. Gretchen was born January 13, 1926 in Yellow Springs, Ohio, to Kenneth and Anna Oster, in 1930 her parents lost the family farm do to the depression, this prompted the family to move 9 miles to Springfield, attempting to make job hunting easier, Grandpa Oster had a phone installed in the home, the only use for the phone was incoming calls for employment opportunities, there was to be no calling out or visiting if it wasn't for employment purposes, growing up in Springfield, Mom graduated from Catholic Central High School, after graduation, Gretchen went to work for Dr. Anzinger as a receptionist, a job she enjoyed and still spoke about fondly. Mom also took up modeling for a local photographer in Springfield, she was a natural, with her dark hair and eyes the camera loved her, the family has many beautiful photos of her and they will be forever cherished. Mom met William (Bill) A. Walsh Jr. in Springfield and after a long distance romance and numerous love letters, they were married in Tucson, Arizona, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, August 23rd 1949, Celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary this last year. Bill had taken a job with Sears Roebuck and Co., that would start in Tucson and take them on a journey over the next 30 years, from Tucson, they moved to Whittier, California, then to Phoenix, Arizona, Caldwell, Idaho, Stockton, California, Foster City, California and back to Whittier, Bill retired from Sears in 1979, at that time they chose to move back to Caldwell, Mom loved the four seasons, especially watching the snow falling down and she didn't care what time of year it was, she always looked forward to a white Christmas. Part of the reason for the move back to Caldwell was that it was centrally located for their five children, that had taken up "roots" in the different cities they had lived. With retirement came time for traveling, Mom and Dad loved "cruising" to locations such as the Caribbean, Quebec, Canada, the Coast of Mexico and Hawaii, Mom had always wanted to see the Cherry blossoms in bloom in the East, that was a favorite trip, along with seeing the Amish Country. In the winter months, Mom and Dad became snowbirds and took several trips to Green Valley, AZ where they enjoyed spending times with old friends from their Tucson and Phoenix days. With retirement also came hobbies, Mom tried golfing and bowling, but decided she just wasn't meant to be athletic in her golden years! Her love for photography was rekindled, but this time she was on the other side of the lens, she and Dad took pictures everywhere they went, even if it was just a ride out to Lake Lowell, over the years she entered several of her pictures in the Canyon County Fair and was always very pleased when she won a ribbon. Mom loved it when all of the kids and grandkids came home for visits, the house was full and she loved watching all the grandkids playing in the big backyard. What Mom wanted most was to be home the last days of her life and with the help of Four Rivers Hospice and our wonderful care providers, Lori, Dawn and Rose, Dad and the kids were able to have her at home. Thanks to all of you for making her last couple of weeks at home comforting for her and us. Mom was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Anna, sister Mary Anne Mahoney, brothers Robert and Kenny Oster. Mom is survived by her husband Bill, children Christine Snyder (Gordon), Kathleen Lewis, Bill (Terry) Walsh, Lisa Thomson, Rachel Walsh, grandchildren Brooke and Barry Snyder, Jeston Lewis, Jennifer, Ryan and Terra Thomson, Mychal Stiehl, Christopher, Meghanne and Corey Martineau, and great grandchild Kayden Mychal Stiehl. Funeral services are under the direction of Flahiff Funeral Chapel Caldwell, the Mass and Rosary will be under the direction of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Caldwell, Idaho. Viewing will be held at the church at 6:00 pm, Thursday, April 29th the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 30th at 10:30 am with burial to follow at Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Idaho. Service Information