Obituary of Gretchen Ruth Smith Altman

Gretchen Ruth Smith Altman, 74, of Goose Creek, South Carolina passed away peacefully on June 10, 2023.  She was born to Leonard Bishopp Smith and Ruth Utter Smith on February 12, 1949 in Rochester, New York.

Gretchen graduated from Brighton High School (New York) in 1967.  She then attended Indiana University and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.  She also graduated from Indiana University with a Master of Science degree in Education in 1973. 

Gretchen dedicated much of her life to the education of children.  She taught for over 35 years in public schools in Indiana, Ohio, and Texas, but most of her time was spent educating children in South Carolina. She ended her career instructing the next generation of teachers at the University of South Carolina and Newberry College.  She retired from the educational field in 2011.

Gretchen was a member of St. James United Methodist Church in Goose Creek.  She loved watching sports and especially loved watching Indiana University basketball.  She was an avid walker and enjoyed reading and spending time with her family.  She was extremely proud of her children and their accomplishments throughout the years.  As a single mother, she made every effort to attend all of their sporting events and school events.  Her grandchildren brought her great joy, and she was able to watch her oldest granddaughter’s high school graduation two weeks before her passing.  She is remembered as always smiling and talking about her family.

Gretchen is survived by her son, Patrick (Valerie) Ault of Bloomington, IN, and daughter, Heidi (Jonathan) Windmueller of Hanahan, SC; grandchildren, Zoie and Maddox Ault, Haley and Jake Windmueller; brother, Peter (Betty) Smith of Huntington, WV; sister-in-law, Kathryn Smith of Mishawaka, IN.  She was predeceased in death by her parents, Leonard and Ruth Smith, and brother, Andrew Smith.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, July 6^th at 11:00 at St. James United Methodist Church in Goose Creek, South Carolina.  Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 until the hour of service.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. James United Methodist, 512 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC  29445.