Gretchen A. Hartford

Gretchen A. Hartford, 70, of Uhrichsville, Ohio, formerly a longtime resident of Athens, Ohio, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2022, at Schoenbrunn Healthcare in New Philadelphia, Ohio, after a lengthy illness. Born March 18, 1952 in Dennison, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late William Jay and Emma Evelyn (Singerman) Maurer.

After attending Claymont Schools in the ‘60s, Gretchen was a 1970 graduate of Stella Niagara High School in New York. She furthered her education at Ohio University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree and later double Master’s degrees in English and History. Throughout her life, Gretchen was passionate about canine rescue and loved her dogs dearly. Surely, she was joyfully greeted at the Rainbow bridge by her many loving canine companions who went before her.

She is survived by her son, Zachary D. Jones; grandchildren, Emily, Katherine, Wren, and Willa Jones; brother, Michael Maurer; and former spouse, James Dean Jones.

According to Gretchen’s wishes, cremation is planned, and her family will celebrate her life privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s favorite charity for the benefit of dogs.