Gretchen (Funk) Coffing, age 92, formally of Danville, IL passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024.  She was a 1949 Danville (IL) High School graduate.  Gretchen went on to attend the University of Illinois and was a member of the Delta Gamma Fraternity.  After moving as a military spouse and for her husband's work, Gretchen and her family returned to Danville.  She and her husband Phil purchased Thomas Music Shop and opened Coffing's Women's Wear in Downtown Danville which they ran for many years.  After a partial retirement, they reopened Coffing's Women's Wear in a free-standing location. Gretchen was an active member of St. James United Methodist Church.  At St. James, she was a member of Women's Circle 2 and an active volunteer for the annual church bazaar fundraiser. Gretchen loved to garden and was known for her beautiful rose bushes, germaniums, and prized tomatoes.  A talented seamstress, Gretchen made many memorable Halloween and school costumes for her children and grandchildren.  She also loved to cook and bake and always had a fresh batch of cookies or brownies in a tin on the kitchen counter.  However, Gretchen's favorite role was that of wife and mother.  Married to her high school sweetheart for 74 years, she loved her children tremendously and always worked extremely hard to give them opportunities in life that she did not have herself.  She was also very talented with English and grammar and was the family's go-to proofreader.  She is survived by her husband Phil; daughters Debora Dyar (Gary), Christy Snider (Trent); son Bruce (Beth); grandchildren Kimberly LeCleir (Brian), Ryan Dyar (Megan George), Claire and Erin Snider, Emily Coffing; great-grandchildren Jack, Ben and Daniel LeCleir and many nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Helen Funk and a sister.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. with Family Receiving at 9:30 A.M. Location: Gary United Methodist Church- Chapel, 224 N. Main Street Wheaton, IL.  The family would like to express their gratitude to the Brookdale Glen Ellyn staff and Lighthouse Hospice for helping Mom return home to be with Dad before she passed.  If desired, friends may make a memorial contribution to St. James United Methodist Church, 504 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61832 ( https://stjahttps://stjamesumc.churchcenter.com/givingmesumc.churchcenter.com/home ). Condolences may be sent to the family at hultgrenfh.com