Gretchen Ann Ross

Gretchen was born on July 11, 1932, in Los Angeles to Joseph & Mary Krueger. She was the 3rd of nine children. She had four sisters and four brothers, and attended St. Mary's Academy in Inglewood. In her teenage years, Gretchen enjoyed Saturday afternoons at Paramount Studios in hopes of receiving autographs from iconic film stars of the 1940's. She was class secretary and sang in the Glee Club, which would eventually lead to a lifetime of song.

Soon after graduating, Gretchen met her future husband, Nick, at Denel's Music Store on Hollywood Blvd. They married in 1952 and in 1954 started their family with son, David, followed by five daughters, Vicki, Cathy, Toni, Gigi, and Debbie. Gretchen became a busy homemaker and volunteered her time as P.E. coach at her children's school, Our Lady of Lourdes, in Montclair. The family moved to Upland in 1972 and Gretchen found more time for hobbies. She began singing with the Sweet Adelines and continued for nearly 50 years. She was a member of Red Hill Country Club and Bahia Corinthian Yacht club, where she enjoyed sailing on the "Gretchen Ann”.

Gretchen passed peacefully on March 21, 2024, surrounded by her family. She is survived by 6 children, David Ross (Julie), Victoria Nicholas, Cathy Wolters, Toni Holloway (Doug), Gigi Tundis (Mark), Debbie Burdick (Matt), 12 Grandchildren – Marissa Ross, Valerie Ross; Jill Nicholas Dwyer; Allison Wolters Hansen; Derek, Matt, Nick & Mike Holloway; John Tundis, Lisa Tundis Lester; Alec & Gretchen Burdick; 13 Great grandchildren, her younger siblings, Karen Smith (Errol) & Ray Krueger (Jan) & numerous nieces and nephews.

Gretchen is preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas E. Ross; sons-in-law Kym Nicholas and Michael Wolters; brothers Joseph Krueger; Richard Krueger; Larry Krueger and sisters DeLourde Brooks; Linda Brennan; and Francine Krueger. Gretchen lived life to the fullest and touched many hearts in her 91 years. She will be dearly missed.