Gretchen Amos Hardee, 82, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2014, at Indian River Medical Center.
Hardee, affectionately known as ChiChi, is survived by two daughters, Robbi (Mark) Peirce of Vero Beach and Carla (Richard) Tobin of Pompano Beach; son Daniel Hardee of Vero Beach; brother John Amos (Karen); six grandchildren, Esten, Colton, Treyson and Hanson Peirce and Charles and William Tobin.
In 2004, Hardee was predeceased by her husband, Wellford E. Hardee.
She was born March 13, 1932 in Watertown, N.Y. to parents Eleanor and Robert Amos. Her family moved to Vero Beach in 1950. She was a graduate of Hood College, Frederick, MD and the University of Maryland, earning her BA degree in childhood education.
She married Wellford E Hardee, son of Dr. E.B. and Anne Hardee of Vero Beach on Aug. 7, 1956. Hardee taught first grade at Osceola Elementary School, she was a charter member of the First Presbyterian Church, an active member of Sea Grape Garden Club, an officer in Phi Beta Psi Sorority, and enjoyed playing bridge. She and Wellford supported many philanthropic causes in the local community.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Arrangements are under the direction of Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.