Gretchen Louise Cox

Gretchen Louise Cox, 67 , of Topeka, died December 15, 2012 at Midland Hospice House. She was born on July 29, 1945 in Topeka, Kansas the daughter of Raymond P. and Rosemary (Drouhard) Weidner . She began her 30 year career in 1973 in the property and casualty insurance industry. She worked for American States Insurance and earned her CPCU designation, held positions in management and training, but her love was always the complexities of underwriting. Her favorite things in life were spending time with her family, her books, playing cards and board games, music, and her independence. She was fortunate to travel to Europe several times before she became ill. Her last trip was to Scotland where she visited many places she read about over the years. A dream come true! She is survived by her children: Michael R. Cox, M.D. (Deborah) of Auburn, Kansas, and David Alan Cox (Gaylene Rickel) of Topeka, Kansas, two sisters, Mary Pat Spain (Dennis) of Topeka, Jeanne Payne (Ken) of Lenexa, Kansas, and a brother Stephen Weidner of Sabetha, Kansas, six grandchildren: Nicole, Kaitlyn, Mackenzie, Trevor, and twins Caleb and Connor Cox. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter Meghan Cox. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m., Monday, December 17, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A parish rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Cremation will follow the service with a private inurnment to be held at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Grace Hospice or Midland Hospice House and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. A special thanks to her friends and caregivers at Grace Hospice/Palliative Care, especially Holly, Abby, Sara, and Christie. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.