Rev. Marguerite J. "Gretchen" Sterrett

Rev. Marguerite J. “Gretchen” Sterrett, 64, of New Baden, IL, died Sunday, August 6, 2017 at her home. She was born November 4, 1952 in Trenton, MI, the daughter of Kurt and Bertha Faye, nee Ward, Breitfeld. She married Paul Richard Sterrett on August 25, 1973 in Tiffin, OH, and he survives in New Baden, IL.

In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Rae (Navindra) Gunawardena of Richland, WA, Ann (Bryan) Gilcrease of Monroe, WA, Mary (Joe Bloodworth) Sterrett of Charleston, SC, and James (Chelsey) Sterrett of Okawville, IL; a grandson, Sawyer James Sterrett; a brother, Scott Breitfeld; two sisters, Connie Breitfeld and Sharon (Jeff) Longridge; a niece, Germaine (Chris) Fletcher; a nephew, Scott (Tami) Breitfeld; a great-niece, Peighton Breitfeld; and her whole church family.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Breitfeld.

Rev. Gretchen Sterrett was ordained in 1976 at her home church in Wyandotte, MI and began serving her first church in Augusta, MO. Her first church was Ebenezer United Church of Christ, and she served there from 1976-1979. Her second church was St. John's "Mantels" Church in Washington, MO, where she served for 7 years. Rev. Sterrett and her family moved to Lenzburg, IL in 1986 and served at St. Peter's U.C.C. for 3 years. Gretchen's final move was in 1989, to Zion U.C.C. in New Baden IL, where she served for more than 28 years until her death. Rev. Gretchen was a faithful pastor at Zion United Church of Christ in New Baden, and used her formidable talents to help all in need. Her favorite activities included performing and directing music (both choral and instrumental) within her own U.C.C. denomination and the local Catholic services. She was an avid cook and baker, providing food for the "Fifth Quarter", a Wesclin High School football tradition, baking desserts for Music Booster events and various church and secular fundraisers. Her greatest joy was serving children, and to that effect worked as a volunteer at the local elementary schools after tragic events such as 9/11, started up a Summer Food Program at Zion U.C.C. to provide food for children during the school break and served as a volunteer crossing guard at New Baden Elementary.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 19, 2017 at the Wesclin Senior High School Gymnasium, 699 Wesclin Road, Trenton, IL 62293 with Rev. Shana Johnson, Rev. Don Wagner, and Rev. Gene Neff officiating.

There will be no visitation before the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Zion UCC Music Fund or Zion UCC Memorial Garden Fund and will be received at the school or Nordike Funeral Home, 15 E. Hanover, New Baden, IL 62265 who is serving the family.