Gretchen Blake

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Gretchen Spooner Blake, age 77, formerly of Joplin, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at her home in Marietta, Georgia.

Gretchen was born in Joplin to the late Dorothy Rogers and Philip Spooner. She attended Joplin High School and graduated from Gulf Park College. She earned two undergraduate degrees from Texas Women’s University. She spent most of her life in Dallas, Texas where she raised her four children. She moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2009.

Gretchen had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh. She loved color and loved holidays and it showed in her clothes and home decorations.

Gretchen was an avid sewer. For years, she made custom placemats and sold them in craft shows. About 15 years ago, she was introduced to quilting and never turned back. She was an active member of the Allen Quilting Guild and has spent many hours lovingly creating works of art. It was her passion and when she lost the use of her hands, her family helped with the mechanics. Her creativity was immense and was active until the very end. The design of one last quilt was finished the week before she passed.

She adored her grandchildren and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with them. She loved her car and loved to drive and didn’t mind driving many long hours to see them.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Leslie Blake.

She is survived by her brother, Ted Spooner, of Dallas, Texas, her sons, Jim Wiencek of Kennesaw, Georgia and John Wiencek of Tampa, Florida, her daughters, Becky Williams of Marietta, Georgia, and Alice Richardson of Cypress, Texas, and four grandchildren, Samie Williams, Nikki Williams, Blake Richardson and Kyle Richardson.

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Webb City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers contributions are requested to the ALS association in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.