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Author: chastain
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Gretchen Annette BlackwellPassing: July 16, 2020

Service:

Cresthaven Memory Gardens

Graveside Service

Wednesday, July 22nd @ 10:30 a.m.

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Tuesday, July 21st @ 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Cemetery:

Cresthaven Memory Gardens

Wednesday, July 22nd at 10:30 a.m.

MITCHELL — Gretchen Annette Blackwell, 83, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020, at her home.

Born July 25, 1936, in Lawrenceport, she was the daughter of Edgar James and Leona Maxine (Chess) Eckensberger.  She married Donovan G. Ramey May, 1954, and he preceded her in death May 3, 1963.  On July 9, 1966, she married Robert E. Blackwell and he preceded her in death January 28, 2004.  Gretchen has been in a beautiful, loving relationship with Mr. Jack L. Chastain of Mitchell.

Gretchen was a homemaker.  She worked at Spring Mill, Dr. Hamilton’s office, Lawrence County Water Company, and retired from White River Lodge as resident counselor.
Gretchen was very devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She was a member of Jacob Finger United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Tri Kappa, and Order of Eastern Star.  Gretchen graduated from Mitchell High School in 1954.

Surviving:
daughters,
Regina M. (Bill) Brown of Muncie
Donita A. (Mike Willis) Gwinnup of Charleston, South Carolina
Greta Lucille Blackwell (Alex) Ferraz of Naples, Florida
daughter-in-law,
Sherri Passmore Ramey of Wilmington, North Carolina
grandchildren,
Abigayle (George) Mallers, David E. (Lauren) Segraves, Brandi Hall  (Jamie) Medlin, Cole (Brittany) Ramey, Ian Gwinnup, Cai Gwinnup, Keagan Gwinnup, Enzo Blackwell Ferraz, StefanBlackwell Ferraz, Matthew (Robyn) Brown, and Lauren Brown
great grandchildren,
Rexton, Luke, Owen, Jillian, and Jameson
siblings,
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Eckensberger of California
Mr. and Mrs. Alex Julian Eckensberger of Tennessee
Jessica Lynette Hamilton of Mitchell
dearly devoted niece and nephew,
Dr. Heather Hamilton (Dr.Wade) Anunson of Fitchburg, Wisconsin
Dr. Darren Hamilton (Jennifer Docker) of Mitchell

Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Eckensberger; husbands, Donovan G. Ramey and Robert E. Blackwell; son, Barry D. Ramey; grandson, Liam Gwinnup; and sister, Charlotte McCammon Harris, preceded her in death.

Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, at Cresthaven Memory Gardens with Reverend Eric Kersey officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.  The family requests that masks be worn.

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16 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Robbie Fletcher | Elkhart
    Date: July 23, 2020
    Gretchen was a lovely lady with a bubbly personality. She was easy to love and will be missed by many.
  2. Guest: Julie J. Hewetson | BEDFORD
    Date: July 23, 2020
    Dear Blackwell Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. What a lovely, beautiful lady Gretchen was. She was always so kind and doing for others. She certainly will be missed. I will be thinking of you ALL, sending love and prayers during this difficult time. Love, Julie
  3. Guest: Kelly Thompson | Bloomington, IN
    Date: July 22, 2020
    I’m so saddened to hear this. Gretchen was a wonderful lady. She will be missed. Prayers for the family.
  4. Guest: Pete Scheibe | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: July 21, 2020
    I am so sorry to hear of Gretchen's passing. She was a wonderful lady. My prayers are with the family.
  5. Guest: Linda Gass | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: July 20, 2020
    Dear Blackwell Family: I am so sorry to hear about Gretchen; what a great lady she was. Always busy, and friendly and helpful to our family, she and Bob were a great couple. Thoughts and prayers are with you...
  6. Guest: Mike, Sue, and Tina Boruff | Bedford, IN
    Date: July 18, 2020
    We are all so sorry for your loss at this very difficult time. Our heartfelt prayers are with you!
  7. Guest: Eddie Hatfield | Mitchell Indiana
    Date: July 18, 2020
    Sorry for the loss family, always enjoyed Bible Study with her and the other group in the gang. She is now with God! Prayers to you all!
  8. Guest: Jerry W. Allen | Mitchell
    Date: July 18, 2020
    To the family, so sorry for your loss. These times are very difficult, but we know Gretchen is not suffering anymore. You will suffer, but know that she is in the hands of a loving God, who will keep her until you meet again. A very sweet person. She will be missed by all who knew her. God bless.
  9. Guest: Debbie Smith | San Diego, CA
    Date: July 18, 2020
    My mom use to talk about how she and your mom played together as little girls. She always said what a nice person your mom was. I know how difficult it is to have your mom pass on and will pray for your family. The Lord has promised to heal the broken hearted. Best to you all!
  10. Guest: Ruthanne and Danny Blackwell | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: July 18, 2020
    Gretchen was very loved and will be missed by all of our family.
  11. Guest: Brad and Lee (Richards) Purlee | Bedford, IN
    Date: July 18, 2020
    Our loving prayers are with your family. What a wonderful person she was with a wonderful family! God bless you all.
  12. Guest: Andra L Jackson | Bedford
    Date: July 18, 2020
    I worked at White River Lodge Dietary Dept. We had some good times planning family gatherings, holiday parties, etc. She was a special personality. She told me a very very funny story on herself that I will not share on here but, I have thought of it often and laughed. It is as funny today as the day she told me. She will be missed.
  13. Guest: Jennifer Geyer | Fort Myers, Florida
    Date: July 18, 2020
    🙏Please accept my heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your loved one. Prayers to lift your heart and comfort all ♡ So sorry... I can remember thinking I was such a big girl when I got to come over with my cousin Joanna (Roberts) Goode, who was friends with Greta 💜😑. Hugs Greta.
  14. Guest: Keely Thomas | Grove City, OH
    Date: July 17, 2020
    Donita and family... my condolences on the loss of your mother. I know you had been taking care of her these last few months. I pray she is now at peace, and that you feel the Lord’s love and comfort around you!
  15. Guest: Susan Mather | Indianapolis
    Date: July 17, 2020
    I sm so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was so sweet and kind. I know my Uncle Jack will miss her very much. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
  16. Guest: Charles and Janet | Mitchell
    Date: July 17, 2020
    Lynette and family, So sorry to hear of Gretchens passing. You and your family will be in our prayers

Phone: (812) 849-2600 | Fax: (812) 849-3323 | email: services@chastainfuneralhome.com

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center