Mary Bechtel
Mary Eleanor “Ellie” Sedwick Bechtel, 95, a longtime Emlenton resident and former business owner, passed away following a brief illness on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in the comfort of her home she had shared with her grandson, Jason Klingler.
Mary Eleanor was born on March 17, 1926, in Sedwick’s Mills, Allegheny Township, Butler County. She was the daughter of the late Winfield and Zella McGinnis Sedwick.
Ellie graduated from Eau Claire High School.
She was of Protestant faith.
She was very active in the local scouting organizations for many years.
Mrs. Bechtel was married on Aug. 16, 1946, to George Bechtel at Sedwick’s Mill. Mr. Bechtel preceded her in death on June 7, 2004.
Mrs. Bechtel and her husband, George were the well-known owner/operators of Bechtel’s Garden Center on Route 38 near Emlenton for more than 20 years. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, playing cards, family visits and swimming and picnicking at Bechtel’s Dam.
Mary is survived by her two sons, Ronald D. Bechtel and his wife, Mary Lou, of Keithville, La., and Donald E. Bechtel and his wife, Ruth, of Emlenton; and two daughters, Linda D. Bechtel (Robert Guthrie) and Wendy S. Bechtel, all of Emlenton.
Also surviving are her grandchildren, Jason Klingler, Leslie Bechtel, Jeremy Klingler and his wife, Susyn, John Bechtel, Jennifer Bechtel, Jessica Bechtel (Coby Washington), and William Bechtel and his wife, Torri; her stepgrandchildren, Matthew Mason and his wife, Rhonda, and Michelle Alexander and her husband, Dan; a sister-in-law, Arminta Rhoads; as well as a number of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Bechtel was preceded in death by her brothers, Harold and Clayton Sedwick; and her stepgrandson, Barry Mason; as well as a number of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
BECHTEL — Friends of Mary Eleanor “Ellie” Sedwick Bechtel, who died Wednesday, May 19, 2021, will be received from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Hile Funeral Home, 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton.
A funeral service will follow at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Karen Parsh, a retired Lutheran pastor, officiating.
Interment will be in Emlenton Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.
