Gretchen Ruth (Ek) Muonio, 74, passed away peacefully in living faith that her sins were forgiven, on July 8, 2025, in a Portland hospital. Gretchen partook of her last Lord’s Supper on earth on July 6 and suffered a brain aneurysm later that day.
She was born to Alice and Walter Ek on Feb. 24, 1951, in Vancouver and was raised near Battle Ground, Washington. She was the fifth of 12 children. She graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1969.
Gretchen was a natural student; she loved to learn and had a curious mind. She worked many years as a bookkeeper and office manager for Peterson & Associates, a CPA firm, and had a second career as a second-grade teacher at Image Elementary in Vancouver, Chief Umtuch Primary, and later at Tuke’s Valley Primary in Battle Ground. She
retired in 2016. Gretchen dearly loved children, and they loved her. Teaching became an
important part of her life.
She traveled throughout the U.S. and to the Nordic countries many times, and kept her friends, near and far, close to her heart.
In 2017, she married Dennis Muonio — a joyous new chapter in her life. She gained a big, loving family. Although Dennis passed away in 2019, her bond with his children, grandchildren and siblings remained strong.
Gretchen will be lovingly remembered by her siblings: Pat Sarkinen, Elaine Sarkinen, Rachel Rose, Marianne Sarkinen, Howard Ek, Judi Liuksiala, Ed Ek, Pauline Sipponen, Karina Wiik and Elizabeth Merriman; sister-in-law, Patty Ek; and her stepchildren: Mark Muonio, Sharon
Oberg, David Muonio, Sarah Schanus, Carl Muonio, Linda LaFave, Andrew Muonio, Elaine Muonio and Cindy Kivari, with their families; her godchildren; extended family; and countless friends.
Her parents; husband; brother, Calvin Ek; and stepson, James Muonio, preceded her in death.
Funeral services were held July 15 at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Heisson, with burial at OALC in Brush Prairie.
