Gretchen S. Scoles, 87

Gretchen Scoles, 87, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Honeysuckle Senior Living in Hayden, Idaho. Gretchen was born Nov. 17, 1938, in Bay City, Mich., to William “Red” Shawver and Gertrude (Noeske) Shawver. She attended school in Midland, Mich., where she graduated from high school in 1957 as class salutatorian. A lifelong lover of learning, Gretchen went on to attend the University of Michigan, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962.

On Dec. 23, 1959, Gretchen married Don Wayne Scoles in Midland, Mich. They later divorced. In 1960, while attending the University of Michigan, Gretchen welcomed her only child, Kathryn, into the world. 

Gretchen was a single mother who worked hard to build a life for herself and her daughter while continuing her education and pursuing her career. Throughout her life, she faced significant challenges, including surviving breast cancer twice and living with severe hearing loss. Yet she never allowed these obstacles to define her or slow her down. She met life with remarkable determination, resilience and independence, continuing to work, ride her bicycle, stay active and pursue the things she loved.

Equally notable was her generosity. Gretchen gave freely of her time, attention and resources, sharing what she had with the people and organizations she cared about. Gretchen dedicated 33 years of her professional life to the Career Development Center of California State University, Fullerton. She took great pride in helping students and graduates navigate their futures through career counseling. 

Gretchen’s love of learning extended well beyond her career. An avid reader, she kept a list of every book she read, ultimately recording nearly 1000 titles. After retiring, she continued to share her love of reading through volunteer work at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library and helping students improve their reading skills at Borah Elementary School.

Gretchen was also known for her independence, energy and adventurous spirit. She loved riding her bicycle well into her seventies. To those who knew her around town, she was a familiar sight with her orange safety flag waving behind her. She rode her bike to work and to the gym. She enjoyed hiking, travel, exercise, clogging and line dancing, always finding ways to stay active and engaged with the world around her.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Paul Shawver of Dearborn, Mich.; her former husband, Don Scoles of Elk Grove, Calif.; and her son-in-law, Tom Oswald of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Vercruyssen, and son-in-law, Jim Vercruyssen, of Dalton Gardens, Idaho; her grandson, Aaron Oswald, of Fort Collins, Colo.; her granddaughter, Laura Mason, and grandson-in-law, Patrick Mason; and her great-grandchildren, Calvin and Evelyn Mason, of Bakersfield, Calif. She is also survived by her niece, Nicole Kram, and her boys, Austin and Spencer Kram, all of Michigan; her nephew, Jason Shawver, of Michigan; her sister-in-law, Elaine Scoles, of North Carolina, and her children, Susan Abernethy, of Denver, Colo., and David Frye, of Georgia. 

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at Forest Cemetery, 1011 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. You may sign Gretchen’s online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.