Gretchen W. (Buck) Rowland

   Gretchen W. Rowland, 72, passed away Wednesday evening, December 10, 2025, at her home in Watertown with her loving family at her side.

   Gretchen was born in Canton September 12, 1953, daughter of B. Sealy and Elsie (Heatherington) Buck. The family moved to Watertown in 1966. She was a graduate of Watertown High School and attended JCC. A marriage to James V. Yonkovig ended in friendship. She married Donald E. Rowland on February 14, 1998 in Watertown.

   In her younger years, Gretchen worked at Pete's Restaurant. For 25 years she was the bar manager at Poor Richard's East. After her marriage to Donald she was the office manager for Rowland's Home Appliance Center and retired after working there for 25 years.

   She was brought up Methodist and had attended Holy Family Church. Gretchen and Donald wintered in Florida for several years and enjoyed traveling together and their cottage on Pillar Point. She most enjoyed spending time with her family.

   Along with her husband Donald, Gretchen is survived by her son, James S. Yonkovig, Watertown; two stepsons, Christopher J. (Sarah) Rowland, Chaumont and Adam P. (Gina) Rowland, Charles Town, VA; six grandchildren and one great grandchild; two brothers, Larry (Roxanne) Buck, GA and Peter (Andrea) Buck, GA; two sisters, Janice "Janny" (Darwin) Harris, Copenhagen and Ellen A. (Rick) Alfonsi, MA; sister-in-law, Peggy Buck, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gretchen was predeceased by her parents; brother Stephen Buck; and two sisters, Sharon (Ted) Vander Els and Bonnie (Joe) Lamando.

   Her memorial service will be held at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown on Tuesday, December 16, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Michael H. Terrell of Asbury United Methodist Church presiding. Online condolences to her family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gretchen's name to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601.

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