Gretchen Marie Naugle
November 23, 1977 — December 4, 2023
Gretchen Marie Naugle was a source of light to all who knew her. A warm and loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, she lived a life devoted to Jesus, her family, and in service to her community.
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Gretchen Naugle: An Unforgettable Story
A beautiful short film of Gretchen Naugle. She was the sweetest daughter, sister, wife, and mother we could have ever been given.
By Natalia Naugle · Read the story behind it
Childhood
Gretchen, the oldest of three, was born on November 23, 1977, in Colfax, WA, to David and Marian Fisher.
As a high schooler, Gretchen's fervor for learning and connection found expression in her active involvement in band and the church youth group. Her home became a gathering place for friends, and it was during this time that she became a Christian.
Whitworth
She graduated from Whitworth University in 2000 with a BA in Secondary Education & Teaching and History.
At Whitworth, she met Lukas Naugle, who would quickly become her best friend and love of her life.
Married
They were married December 18, 1999.
Spokane
Gretchen's commitment to family became evident as she and Lukas began building their own.
Minneapolis
They welcomed four daughters – Brigitta, Natalia, Analina, and Francesca.
Choosing to be a stay-at-home mom, Gretchen made it her mission to create an active and nurturing environment as she and Lukas felt the best investment they could make was in their “four little ventures.”
Phoenix
This commitment remained through moving to Minneapolis, and on to Phoenix.
After 14 years as a devoted homemaker, Gretchen embarked on a new chapter. At Seed Spot, she translated her parenting experience into creating a high school entrepreneurship program that she took to schools nationwide, impacting countless high schoolers to make a difference in their communities.
Richmond
Gretchen took her sense of adventure, love for her family, and passion for serving all the way to the East Coast: Richmond, VA, and Northern Virginia.
Northern Virginia
In September 2017, she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. She underwent treatment and initially appeared to respond well to it.
Living with bad news
In the summer of 2020 the cancer returned, and in November revealed itself as incurable metastatic breast cancer.
In the summer of 2021 the family moved to Dallas to be closer to friends, church, and treatment, a move that provided many blessings through the trials ahead.
Texas
In this time, Gretchen focused her love on her family and her coworkers, leaving an enduring impact on everyone she encountered. Her radiant personality shone brightly at Expel, where she worked until her last days, bringing warmth and kindness to colleagues.
She traveled with her daughters, going to tournaments, distant countries, softball games, and special weekends with her mom and dad and siblings.
She entrusted her life to the Lord, knowing her life was His. This unwavering faith was not only a source of personal strength but also a wellspring of love that she shared with her family, friends, and colleagues.
As the sun rose on December 4th, 2023, Gretchen passed away, leaving behind a legacy of faith and love.
“My desire is to live a life that impacts my family, friends and coworkers for the kingdom.”
