Gretchen L. (Hawley) Garwood, age 96, of Alliance, Nebraska passed away Friday, July 19, 2024, at Highland Park Assisted Living.
Gretchen was born March 29, 1928, in Alliance, Nebraska to O. M. “Brigg”,and Neva (Beal) Hawley. Gretchen grew up in Alliance working along side her parents, sister, and brother to deliver milk from their dairy farm. After graduation from Alliance High School, Gretchen then pursued a degree at the Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri.
On September 5, 1948, Gretchen was united in marriage to Max Garwood in Alliance, Nebraska, and was blessed to have been married for 63 years. To this union four children were born- Mike, Janet, Roger, and Tim.
Much of Gretchen’s life was spent volunteering for the betterment of others. In her early years, Gretchen volunteered as a Cub Scout Leader, 4-HLeader, Job’s Daughters, United Methodist Women, Methodist Board of Trustees, Box Butte Art Society, Boys’ Ranch Board of Directors, PEO, and BBGH Auxiliary. She was a member of the United Methodist Church for 70-plus years.
To pass the time while caring for her son, Mike, after his accident in 1973, Gretchen started to paint. For the next 30-plus years her artistic abilities improved and flourished. Her artistic creations have hung on the walls of relatives, friends, acquaintances, and businesses. Gretchen was instrumental in bringing about the Carnegie Arts Center in Alliance. Her dream began in 1985 and along with other Alliance residents in the idea of an arts center was formed to provide cultural experiences for all ages. The Carnegie Library Building was scheduled for demolition and before that could happen, the 1911 building was purchased for $24,000. Grants were written, local support was received, and over $250,000 was spent on renovation. In March of 1993, after two years of legal work and six years of remolding, a grand opening was held. In 2008, the west wing was dedicated as the Gretchen Garwood Gallery. Gretchen served on the board of directors and the endowment committee. The Carnegie Arts Center continues to be a testament to her devotion.
In 2000, Gretchen received the Diane Nelson Volunteer of the Year in the Arts Award. She, along with 11 others, was honored at the Nebraska First Lady, Stephanie Johanns' luncheon.
Gretchen leaves behind, daughter, Jan and Alan Joslin of Chanhassen, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Mary Garwood, her children, Stephanie and Levi McConkey, their children Ashlynn, Gavin, and Jaxon of Gering, Nebraska, and Jennifer and Garret McGraw of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; son, Tim and Shannon Garwood of Alliance, Nebraska, children Shaun Garwood, his step children Tallulah and Elliott Blender of Parker, Colorado; Kelly and Aaron Warehime, their children Emma and Holden of Omaha, Nebraska; Erin Garwood of Merriam, Kansas. Also, nieces and nephews, Jolene McGinnis, Wayne Akert, JR and Nancy Akert, Sherry and Ron Jackson, Kay and Bill Garner, and many great nieces and nephews.
Gretchen was preceded in death by her husband Max Garwood, sons Mike and Roger Garwood, parents, brother, and sister.
Memorial services will be on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Alliance United Methodist Church, Alliance, Nebraska. Gretchen, a talented artist, created beautiful paintings full of color. In celebration of her love of the arts, her family invites everyone to wear bright colors to her service. All are welcome to join the family for conversation and a light meal following the service at West Side Events Center, Alliance, Nebraska. Private interment will be held later at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery, Alliance, Nebraska.
Memorials may be given to the Carnegie Arts Center, 204 W. 4th, Alliance, or United Methodist Church, 704 Box Butte, Alliance.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.