Gretchen Jeanette Rhea

Gretchen Jeanette Rhea, age 70, passed on to her reward March 18, 2024. A wife of 53 years to Gene Rhea and mother to sons Ritchey, wife Camilla and Justin, wife Tera. She was the proud grandmother of KeyLe Rhea, fiancé Eli King. An avid member of Caring Hearts, simply the name describes her perfectly, Gretchen had a caring heart. She loved fiercely and always helped others. She enjoyed her time in Caring Hearts because it gave her even more of an opportunity to show kindness and her compassion for others. She enjoyed traveling, quilting and anything involving her sunshine, KeyLe. The love that she had for her only grandchild was enormous and she made sure everyone knew it. Gretchen loved the Lord, all things sparkly, fireworks and pretty lights, laughing and spending time with friends. Her works truly demonstrated what a beautiful Christian she was and her faithfulness led many to Christ. As a member of Hebron Church of Christ, she loved her church family and enjoyed sharing in attendance at Smyrna Church of Christ on occasion. Gretchen retired from Carrier shortly after her granddaughter was born and quickly earned the title of “Nannie” when she started babysitting others. It didn’t take long for everyone to pick up on the title of “Nannie” for her, simply because that’s just what she was. She loved everyone like a Nannie would and she proved that every day in the quotes she always left us with. In Nannie’s legacy, by sharing a quote she always shared with KeyLe, “Always be humble and kind.” Other survivors include sister, Linda Hillis, husband Hugh; sister-in-law, Sue Taylor, husband Jimmy; brother-in-law, Larry Rhea, wife Jean; nieces, Lucretia Brown, Chastity Wrisner, Tammie Magourik, Kim Rhea Jones and Missy Stembridge; nephews, Barry Taylor and Wally Rhea; great-nieces and nephews, Kayla McCormack, Ali Vaughn, JJ Brown, Will and Drew Wrisner, Maddox and Max Jones, Taylor Davis, Tinzlee Tanner, Kinslee and Brody Taylor and several other great-nieces and nephews; aunt, Janice Haley; special friends and family, Tia Taylor, Caresse Nokes, Martha Kirby, Bill and Luann Overby and Gary and Terri Duncan and special kids, Lilly Cathcart, Spencer Stubblefield, Elijah Alexander and Corban Felton. She was preceded in death by parents, Dwain and Josie Boyd; grandparents, Arzie and Josie Boyd and Bryan and Suzie Green; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Harris and Gladys Rhea; brother-in-law, Glen Rhea and great-nephew, Aiden Wrisner. Funeral service will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in High’s Chapel with Derrick Stiles, Rickey Magness and Jon Simmons to officiate. Interment will follow at Center Hill Cemetery at Hills Creek. Visitation will be Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at High’s. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caring Hearts United. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com. High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.