Gretchan M. Osborne

Gretchan Marie Osborne (Lytle), 51, of Wataga, Illinois passed away January 20th, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. She was born on February 28th, 1973 in Fairfield, IA, the daughter of Larry and Sandra (Foutch-Olson) Lytle. She was raised and educated in Wataga, Illinois. Known for her luscious red hair and infectious smile, she was a beloved daughter, wife, mother and grandmother who brought joy to everyone around her.

Gretchan met the love of her life, Larry, in 1990 when they both began their first job at Burger King. The couple shared a deep bond and spent 32 wonderful years of marriage together. They raised two amazing children in Abingdon, Illinois. Her greatest pride came from her children and her grandbabies, who were the light of her life. Gretchan also worked at Zellers Mental Hospital in Peoria, Illinois from 1995-2002. She was still an active employee of the state of IL.

An enthusiastic lover of life, Gretchan spent her free time painting, being outdoors, soaking up the sun and always finding four-leaf clovers. She found joy in the simple pleasures, especially indulging in her favorites, a Caramello Bars and a Code Red Mt. Dew. She had a special love for animals and especially her dogs, Lotto, Rizzo, Lily, and Olly, they were always treated like one of her children.

Gretchan also had a passion for music, often listening to her favorite band, Nirvana and artist Eminem. Her love for frogs was well-known among friends and family, highlighting her fun spirit.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Larry; Son, Cody (Alex) Osborne of Arnold, MO; Daughter, Cassandra (Cornell Clay) Osborne of Knoxville, IL; Mother, Sandy of Wataga, IL; Sister, Tonya (Roger) Lasley of Galesburg, and Niece, Alecs Lasley of Galesburg, IL, as well as her grandchildren, CJ, Quinleigh Jo, Lillian, and another sweet baby girl arriving in April. Gretchan also had many cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Larry Lytle, Father-in-Law, Larry Osborne, Great Nephew, Xavier Lasley-Thompsom, and her beloved friend, Kyle Welsh.

Gretchan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, honesty and cherished memories.

This obituary was lovingly written by Haylee Ann.

A Celebration of Life for Gretchan will be 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to the family of Gretchan. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.