Gretchen Herman

Gretchen Johanna Herman, 72, of Abilene, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025. She was born in San Bernardino, California, on April 23, 1953, the second child and first daughter of George Thomas and Marie Pester Walker.

Gretchen's early years were shaped by travel and discovery. Her family's Air Force journey took her from California to Nebraska, then across oceans to England and Australia, before returning to the United States. They lived in Georgia, South Carolina, and New Jersey before settling in Abilene in 1968, where Gretchen's lifelong connection to the community began.

She graduated from Abilene High School in 1970 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Hardin-Simmons University in 1977. Her creative spirit later called her back to Hardin-Simmons, where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking in 1993.

In the summer of 1972, Gretchen met the love of her life, Jimmy "Slim" Herman. Their marriage of 49 years was built on devotion, laughter, and shared purpose. Together, they founded Abilene Home Health Professional Care in 1984 and served families throughout the Big Country for 36 years with compassion and integrity.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and artist, Gretchen filled her world with care and color. Her home was a place of art, laughter, and love, where family and friends always felt welcome. Her passion for printmaking reflected her view of life: that beauty could be found in layers, textures, and the quiet details of every day.

Gretchen's legacy lives on in the family she cherished. She is survived by her daughters, Jeffy Bartholomae and Aron Bryan (Wesley Bryan); her sons, Josh (Bren) Herman and Jacob (Lauren) Herman; her granddaughters, Sydney and Charlotte Bartholomae; and her grandsons, Hudson Bryan, Kasey Bartholomae, Zak Bryan, Austin Bryan, and Brooks Herman. She is also survived by her brother, Robin Walker, his wife, Ava, and their son, Thomas; her sister, Marlene Hogan, her husband, John, and their children, Cole, Lauren, and Chance; her brother, Wesley Walker, his wife, Donise, and their children, Lindsay, Brittany, and Christian; her brother, Brian Walker; her nieces, Rachel Keesee and Adriane Fergus; and her nephew, Ryan Welch. She is also survived by lifelong friends, Linda and Dick DeLay.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents, George Thomas and Marie Pester Walker; her husband, Jimmy "Slim" Herman; her sister, Charlotte Wella Walker Welch; and her sister-in-law, Letty Walker.

Gretchen's life was a testament to creativity, kindness, and quiet strength. She will be remembered with deep love and lasting admiration by all who had the joy of knowing her.

Funeral services are pending and will be announced when arrangements are complete. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in honor of Gretchen Herman to Rescue the Animals, 4620 North 1st Street, Abilene, Texas 79603.