Gretchen Rothermel Ulmer

Gretchen Rothermel Ulmer, 77 of Minersville, passed away peacefully on January 13th at Providence Place of Pottsville, surrounded by her loving family.

Gretchen battled Alzheimer’s Disease for many years with both grace and dignity, but it never stopped her from dancing, smiling and laughing with her family, friends and caregivers. While her body may have broken down, her unwavering spirit remained steadfast. Gretchen was the epitome of strength, facing life’s challenges with unwavering determination and resolve. Her ability to navigate difficulties with grace, class and courage inspired all who were fortunate enough to witness it. In times of adversity, Gretchen held her head high and faced challenges head on, a testament to her inner strength and character.

Gretchen was a New Year’s baby born January 1, 1949, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Wilbur “Pete” Ulmer and Margaret “Peg” (Rothermel)) Ulmer.

Gretchen was the Salutatorian of the Minersville Area High School class of 1966 and continued her post-secondary academics at Kutztown University, earning Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree with Honors in Mathematics in 1970. She then traveled to Germany and studied at the University of Innsbruck in Austria. She dedicated 37 years of service as an educator at Schuylkill Haven Area School District.

Upon retirement in 2008, her passion for education and service continued for the next 10 years as a Board of Director for the Minersville Area School District. In her five decades in education, she made an ever-lasting impact and helped shape the future of countless children’s lives throughout her community. Gretchen’s passion and dedication to education yielded precedence to only one thing: the love of her family.

She was a dedicated mother first and foremost to her two sons Jesse and Jared. Unfortunately, due to her deteriorating health, she never had a chance to realize her role as grandmother to her two young granddaughters Harlow and Isla. A role she so deeply looked forward to later in life. Her legacy and example will be passed on to them through the innumerable stories and memories of her family and friends.

Independence was a hallmark of Gretchen’s character. She lived life on her own terms, fiercely embracing the freedom to carve her own path and make decisions that stayed true to her strong, determined spirit. Gretchen was a shining example of self-reliance, showing everyone around her the true value of holding firm to one’s principles and navigating life with unwavering resolve and inner strength. Gretchen’s life was enriched by a deep love of traveling, as she eagerly explored new places, cultures and landscapes. Her garden was a true labor of love and source of immense pride. She tended it with care and skill, creating a vibrant landscape of flowers, vegetables, and greenery that brought beauty and tranquility to her home.

Her beloved pets were constant companions and sources of joy, offering unconditional love and comfort through every season of life. They were family in every sense, filling her days with love and playful moments. She cherished these special bonds deeply.

A devoted Phillies fan, Gretchen cheered passionately through every game and enjoyed taking bus trips to Citizens Bank Park. Gretchen was also a familiar and enthusiastic presence at Minersville High School athletic events, proudly supporting the Battlin’ Miners with unwavering school spirit. Gretchen’s passion for sports was made even more special because she shared it together with the love of her life Paul.

Together they created countless cherished memories cheering on their favorite teams. Gretchen was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Minersville serving as Treasurer for many years. Throughout her life she embodied the fundamental Christian values of love, forgiveness, faith, humility, generosity, integrity, grace, service and perseverance

. She served as Secretary for the Minersville Area School District and Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 School Boards before declining to seek reelection due to her illness.

In addition to her parents, preceding her in death was a brother Claude Ulmer, a daughter (stillborn), and the love of her life Paul Kacinecz. She is survived by a son Jesse Sabitsky, wife Ashley, of Duncannon, PA; a son Jared Sabitsky, wife Chrissy, of Cressona, PA; granddaughters Harlow and Isla Sabitsky.

A private Celebration of Life service will be held at the convenience of the family

. Internment will follow at Mt. Peace Cemetery, Minersville. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Hillside SPCA, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Minersville Little League, a program her father and uncle Carl Ulmer helped build together from the ground up and of which she remained immensely proud.

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