Gretchen Irene (Foster) Hatfield of Glendale, AZ made a peaceful transition on May 19, 2025. One of her last wishes was to be able to celebrate her 90th birthday. In typical fashion, she exceeded that goal and celebrated her 91st birthday in April. The family would like to thank the Staff of Friendship House and Canyon Hospice for their compassionate, loving care.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, at Glencroft Arts Center, 8611 N 67th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302. Casual dress is encouraged.
Gretchen was born April 8, 1934, in Brookings, SD, to George and Elsie Foster. She graduated from Brookings High School in 1952 and was a member of South Dakota State University’s first graduating class for a 4-year nursing degree program in 1956. While she was assigned to pediatric training in Omaha, NE, in 1955, her high school friend introduced her to a handsome young man with a saxophone, stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. She and Warren Hatfield were married in 1956, shortly after her college graduation.
Gretchen worked as an RN in pediatrics at the Jennie Edmondson Hospital (Council Bluffs, IA) and the University of Iowa’s Medical Center. She was also a nurse at the SDSU Student Health Clinic, and school nurse for the Brookings and Roosevelt (Phoenix) School Districts. Students and teachers often expressed their appreciation of the extra TLC she freely bestowed.
Gretchen’s greatest joys were her family and taking care of others. She spent countless hours as chauffeur to her children’s after- school activities, served as Cub Scout Den Mother and Sunday School Teacher, and was honored to assume the role as “second mom” to many of her children’s friends and SDSU music students. She planned and hosted many social events for music faculty and students and rarely missed a concert or recital. When she did find some time to relax, she was often seen with a crossword puzzle or book in hand.
Gretchen is survived by husband Warren (Glendale), son and daughter-in-law Dan and Ro Hatfield (Glendale), daughter Jennifer Draheim (Phoenix), beloved cat George, sisters Joan Piscopo (San Diego) and Ardath (Gerry) Wyatt (Scottsdale), brother Emmett Foster (Brookings), and sister-in-law Bev Fiore (Eagle, CO), as well as 10 nieces and nephews. The family takes comfort knowing she is now reunited with her parents, infant sister Elsie Foster, brother Robert Foster, son-in-law Steven Draheim, father-in-law and mother-in-law Arch and Pearl Hatfield, sister-in-law Geneva Foster, and brothers-in-law Floyd Piscopo and Ralph Fiore.
When Gretchen’s vision failed so she could no longer read, she was referred to the Arizona Talking Book Library. Sarah was assigned as her personal librarian for many years and kept Gretchen well-stocked with audio books up until her death. This organization holds a special place in our family’s heart for affording Gretchen the lifeline to books she so desperately craved. Should you wish to make a donation in Gretchen’s memory, please direct your contribution to Arizona Friends of Talking Books, 1030 N 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008 or https://www.azfotb.org/donate
