Obituaries

Gretchen Julie Schauff, 75, passed away on April 19, 2026. She grew up in Reading, Ohio, and most recently lived in Alexandria, Kentucky. She will be remembered for her care for her family and the steady role she played in the lives of those who knew her.

She shared 53 years of marriage with her husband, Steve Schauff. Together they raised three sons, Andrew, Adam, and Michael. Gretchen stayed closely connected to her family over the years and especially enjoyed being a grandmother. Her grandchildren—Cole (son of Adam and Kelly), Lily and Nolan (children of Michael and Staci), and Libby (daughter of Andrew and Shawnee)—were important to her, and she took a genuine interest in their lives.

Gretchen ran a craft store for many years and enjoyed making things by hand. She appreciated the time and focus that crafting required and liked helping others develop their own projects. She also loved the Cincinnati Reds and enjoyed keeping up with the team.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude and Ralph Niehaus; her sister, Susie Fry; and her brother, John Niehaus.

In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her siblings, Terri Thumann, Mary Vanden Eynden, Stephen Niehaus, Tim Niehaus, and Lisa Niehaus Hagen.

A visitation, funeral Mass, burial, and reception will be held at St. Mary’s in Alexandria, Kentucky (8246 East Main Street, Alexandria, KY 41001) on Friday, April 24, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. and conclude at 11:45 a.m. The funeral Mass will follow at noon, with burial at St. Mary Cemetery. A reception will be held in the St. Mary’s undercroft immediately following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gretchen’s memory to the ALS Association.