Gretchen Locena Miller, 59, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 17, 2026 in Traverse City, MI. She is survived by her husband Don, her twin children Troy and Taylor, her parents Gary and Gretchen, and her brother Greg.

Gretchen was born in Ionia, MI, later raised in Alpena, MI, and earned a degree in Communications from Michigan State University. After college, Gretchen moved across the country to Santa Cruz, CA, where she planted her roots. She established her professional career (Employee number 8 at ZPE Systems), raised her family, and built community in the Central Coast for 27 years before moving back to the Mitten State.

Gretchen was an avid gardener, beachgoer, boater, snowmobiler, sledder, softball player, baseball zealot (If you ever played catch with her, you know where Troy got his arm from; she had an elite fastball), coach, dog mom (Kona, Roxy and Puck), steadfast friend, and undeniably loyal parent to her children and her children’s friends. You could always find Gretchen with a Peet’s vanilla latte in her hand or wearing a Yankees baseball cap. She made sure her kids were grounded and supported through nightly family dinners, routine attendance at all baseball games and volleyball matches, and stewardship of their coastal home. She was selfless to her family, and they will be forever grateful for her love.

Gretchen and her husband, Don, had an amazing life together and took many fun trips, but her favorite places were Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Most recently, in May, her kids took her to London for a trip of a lifetime! They had so much fun, blisters and all. Cheerio!

Throughout this journey, she always talked about perspective, and her family vows to carry that forward in her memory. She instilled in those she touched the importance of enjoying the little things and being grateful, as life can change at any moment. Gretchen never complained about her cancer and spoke as if she was going to beat it. Those who knew her knew her strength. She will continue to inspire all of us with the love she showed her family and her resilience.

We love you, Mom, wife, and the most amazing person I have ever met.

Those wishing to pay their respects or send tributes may do so through Beacon Funeral Service in Traverse City, Michigan, at 231-946-6515 or https://www.beaconfh.com. A celebration of life is planned for a future date in Traverse City, MI. For further information regarding the celebration, please contact Taylor Gold at 831-247-6615 or taylor.gio.miller@gmail.com.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com