Gretchen VanderWerf

Gretchen VanderWerf died on November 29, 2025, from Alzheimer's disease. She was age 79. Gretchen loved her family, her friends, and her work. She was one of those rare people who could be very serious when the situation called for it, but she also had a fun-loving side and loved to make people laugh with the stories she told.

Gretchen was the oldest of six children born to Dr. Calvin and Rachel VanderWerf. The family lived in Lawrence, Kansas until her teenage years. Her family moved to Holland, Michigan when her father became President of Hope College. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Hope College and was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Scholarship that she used to earn a master's degree in Russian history from the University of Michigan. Her success in her educational endeavors was indicative of her love of learning and keen intellect.

Her career path changed when Gretchen went to the University of Colorado Law School and graduated at the top of her class. In the 1970's, there were few women who went into law. Her friends frequently referred to her as a "trailblazer." Despite that, Gretchen got a job in one of Denver's prestigious law firms. After several years doing general legal work, she began to focus on oil and gas work, an area where she, again, was one of the few women attorneys. Gretchen's brilliant mind, her great research and advocacy skills, and her meticulous organization made her a formidable attorney in any situation.

In the 1980's, she was appointed by the governor of Colorado to serve on the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Commissioners were chosen for their legal skills, independent thinking, and knowledge of oil and gas law and operations.

Toward the end of her career, she established her own law firm which she operated successfully for years. In that role, she took care of the many needs of trusted and long-standing clients.

Gretchen lived in Boulder all her adult life, a city she loved, especially for its beautiful hiking trails that Gretchen and her spouse frequently hiked together. She also enjoyed University of Colorado sports. She was known to blast the ears of surrounding fans with her mighty whistle. Gretchen also loved frequent visits to Santa Fe where she and her spouse enjoyed the opera and the cuisine. She loved trips to Aspen during its music festival and enjoyed playing the role of Santa Claus during family Christmas celebrations.

Gretchen is survived by her spouse Gigi Jones and by her five siblings, Klasina VanderWerf (Tom Thomas), Julie Hill (John), Lisa Hawkins (Scott), Pieter VanderWerf (Shari), and Marte Singerman (Paul), and seven loving nieces and nephews.

Gretchen was a bright light in her family and will be missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to any of the following: the Calvin and Rachel VanderWerf Scholarship Fund at Hope College, the Alzheimer's Association, or to Trailwinds Hospice and Palliative Care in Boulder, CO.