Gretchen Hercher Waite
August 25, 1955 ~ December 4, 2021
Gretchen Hercher Waite passed peacefully on December 4, 2021, in Wichita after a brief illness. She was 66 years old. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Richard Hartle Waite, of Wichita. She leaves her two children, Justin R. Jones and Jillian (Kevin) Lamm of Wichita, as well as three grandchildren. Gretchen predeceases her parents William and Nancy (Legg) Hercher of Wichita, and her sister, Leigh (Frederic) Hood of Ashland, Oregon.
Gretchen studied harp from an early age and played all her life. She was principal harpist for both Music Theater Wichita and the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra. She also played harp for the Wichita Symphony Orchestra as well as numerous weddings and receptions over the years. Her music brought Gretchen great joy and her playing brought joy to many.
She was always game for adventure exploring new destinations in her travels to Oregon, Alaska and Europe with friends and family. She shared a love for yellow Labradors with her husband and was always eager to create memorable times with her grandchildren who affectionately call her “Gigi.”
Gretchen was trained as a Physician Assistant and practiced until retiring in 2019. Her impressive medical knowledge will be sorely missed by everyone in her family who benefitted enormously from her advice and skills as a thoughtful listener. Her fondness for word games, card games and jigsaw puzzles serve as an example to all who knew her that the word “competitive” takes on an entirely new meaning when applied to her game-playing acumen.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Music Theatre Wichita, 225 W. Douglas Ave. #202, Wichita, KS 67202; and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, 225 W. Douglas Ave. #207, Wichita, KS 67202.
Her family is planning a celebration of Gretchen’s life in the summer of 2022.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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I’m saddened to learn of the passing of your daughter. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Ken Havener
Gretchen will be deeply missed, but long remembered by not only those of you closest to her, but many others. Hoping the present sorrow soon will be replaced by the joy those memories bring your whole family.
My heart hurts knowing this news. Gretchen was a special person and we shared many special times in the MTW pit. My love goes to her family and I want them to know that it was an honor to be able to play in the same ensembles with her. I will miss her. Much love, Ginger Zyskowski
Gretchen was as exquisite a harpist as she was a person. Any time we could find a show with a harp part, we let Gretchen know immediately. She would pick up her music book just as soon as it was available — often months ahead of the scheduled performances — and practice it tenaciously until it was all easily in her fingertips. Her playing was extraordinary, but even more keenly, I shall miss her beutiful spirit, smile, and friendship. All my best to her family. Wayne Bryan, Music Theatre Wichita
Gretchen, it was most likely spring of 1972 when you and I first met. I had been taking harp lessons for just over a year and suddenly I found myself seated with you in the harp section of KMEA All State Orchestra. On the program was Lukas Foss’ Salomon Rossi Suite followed by Bach/Stowkowski Komm, süsser Tod BMV478. Your solo on the Foss was delivered with solid projection and clean articulation; I was further humbled by your elegant cross-over arpeggios in the Stowkowski transcription. I remember crying myself to sleep that night, my first ever trip to Wichita, not even knowing how to count measures in an orchestra, and here I was sharing the Century II stage with a seasoned professional harpist. In the years that ensued, there were several role models I came to emulate but none more profound than the talented high school harpist who showed me how it’s supposed to be done. Heaven can’t have too many harpists; may you ever continue to “show ‘em how it’s supposed to be done!” You’re the best. Soli Deo gloria, Jane
Richard, Saddened to hear of Gretchen’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing you both out and about, although too infrequent. I’m so glad you found happiness with this remarkable woman. Please know that I’m thinking of you, my friend. Condolences from Mark and I to the whole family. With love, Gail Jabara
I’m so sorry to hear about Gretchen’s passing. I feel lucky to have known her and to have had the opportunity to play with her so many times over the years. She was a treasured friend, a superb harpist and a wonderful person, always a bright spot. Sincere condolences to Richard and to all of Gretchen’s family. Steve Slater
I never got to know Gretchen extremely well, but our paths crossed many times over the years, from our eldest children being in infant swim class together, the girls dancing in ballet productions, and another overlap at The Independent School. I always enjoyed visiting with her and getting caught up on family, and I am so very sorry to hear that she has passed. Justin and Jillian, please accept my sincere and heartfelt sympathy.
Dear Richard, We are so sorry for your loss. We’re happy that we got to share an evening with you at John’s party. We’re thinking of you and your family, Nelson,Kim,Lynn & I along with our families send our love.
Richard, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are being remembered in my prayers. Janice Cracraft Buselt
I’m sorry to read about Gretchen’s passing. I met her through a cousin and his choir. My family hired her to play at our parent’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. She was an amazing harpist. We still talk about how beautifully she played. Thought I would share a few pics of her at the Anniversary party. May she rest in peace.
I didn’t really know Gretchen, but I’ve known Richard all his life and I don’t think I’ve seen him feeling any better about life than in the context of being married to Gretchen.