Gretchen Elizabeth Galvin (Burns)

Gretchen Elizabeth Galvin, of Blue Springs, MO, a tough lady who loved life fiercely, passed away on December 14, 2021. She was 91 years old. Gretchen was born on July 18, 1930 in Independence, Missouri to John and Myrtle Burns and was the youngest of 9 siblings. She graduated from William Chrisman High School in the class of 1947. On August 6, 1949, she married Robert E. “Bob” Galvin in Buckner, MO. Three children were born to this union: Raymond, Deborah and Keith. Gretchen was a loving wife, a great mother and wonderful homemaker. Those that knew Gretchen knew her as a loving woman, who was caring and a great mother-in-law who treated everyone as her own family. After retirement, Gretchen and Bob loved spending time together living at the Lake of the Ozarks, and enjoying good times with friends. They were also proud Winter Texans. Gretchen will always be remembered as a quirky, light-hearted woman, who always had fun and she will be dearly missed by many.

She is survived by her children, Raymond E. Galvin and wife Sheryl, Deborah Galvin Maples, and Keith A. Galvin and wife Rachel; grandchildren, Kelly Galvin, Jason Galvin, Jamie Etters, Jodie Vickers and husband Ryan, Katelyn Galvin and Rebecca Galvin; great-grandchildren, Spencer Etters, Hayden Etters, Oren Keithley, Nolan Keithley, Macie Vickers and Easton Vickers; great-great-grandchild, Eleanore Keithley; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of over 64 years, Robert E. “Bob” Galvin; parents, John and Myrtle (Keith) Burns; and siblings, Robert Burns, John Burns, William “Ted” Burns, Joseph Burns, Kate Quiett, Lenora Jones, Dorothy VanDusen, and Henrietta Burns.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Traditions Hospice care and to Gretchen’s caregivers at The Parkway Memory Care, for taking exceptional care of Gretchen.

A visitation to honor Gretchen will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 9-10:00 a.m., with a service to follow, at 10:00 a.m., both at Speaks Buckner Chapel, 300 Adams, Buckner, MO 64016. Gretchen will be laid to rest at Buckner Hill Cemetery in Buckner, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Chapel 816-373-3600)