Gretchen Ann Collier

Gretchen Ann Collier, 77, passed away on March 7, 2026, at West View Healthy Living.

She was born April 14, 1948, in Battle Creek, MI, to Stanley and Jeanne (Hamilton) Wise. She married Roger Collier on August 23, 1970. He survives.

Gretchen dedicated much of her life to volunteer work and acts of service. She also supported local arts organizations in her community, including Wayne Center for the Arts, the Wayne Center Ballet, and the Ohio Light Opera.

Gretchen grew up in Virginia and Columbus, OH, attending Whetstone High School in Columbus before relocating to Wooster. A 1966 graduate of Wooster High School, she sang with the Senior Choir and was a member of Tri-Hi-Y. At Capital University, she was a praetorian and a member of Angel Flight. Later, she studied at Ohio University, where she joined Phi Mu.

In 1970, Gretchen moved to Minot, ND, with her husband, Roger, who was stationed at the Air Force base there. After returning to Wooster in 1973, she worked at Whitaker-Myers Insurance and was later office manager of The Collier Printing Company for many years until it closed in 1999.

A longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, Gretchen taught Sunday school, attended Bible study, volunteered for the food pantry, and served as a communion deacon, regularly visiting and supporting members of the congregation who were unable to attend services. She also volunteered for the America Reads program at Parkview Elementary School.

She was a devoted mother, avid reader, and talented seamstress who enjoyed taking walks, making quilts, and exchanging cards and letters with friends and family. She never forgot a thank-you note. Her favorite quote comes from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

Gretchen is survived by her children, John (Amy) Collier of Wooster and Abby (Luke) McAllister of Pittsburgh; grandchildren Henry Collier and Lucy Collier; sister Susan (Clarence) Jentes of St. Louis, MO; and nieces Amy (Jeff) Braun and Emily (Steve) Jentes.

The family is grateful to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare and the staff of Carrington at West View Healthy Living for their exceptional care and support.

Friends may call Friday, March 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Wooster. Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m.at the church with Pastor Marty Jacobson officiating. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com.