Audrey Bechtel, age 72, of Guys Mills, PA passed away at her home in the presence of her immediate family on Sunday, May 31, 2009 following an extended illness. She was born on January 28, 1937 in Perryopolis, PA the daughter of the late Samuel and Verda Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings – Samuel N. Smith, George Smith, Verda Rohr, and Leslie Smith. She is survived by two sisters – Olive (Dot) Mellinger and Betty Anderson. Audrey married Keith Bechtel in 1956 and the couple has two children, Laura and Darrel. In addition to their own children, she and Keith helped rear Audrey’s youngest brother – Leslie. Audrey and Keith have one granddaughter – Melanie Backhaus.
Audrey was a loving wife and mother who enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, reading, photography, and traveling. She spent 33 years as a bus driver for Richmond Township and Penncrest School District. She was a member of Townville United Methodist Church where she sung in the choir. Audrey was active in the Republican Party and also was instrumental in the inception of Townville Volunteer Ambulance Service.
Calling hours for friends and family will be held at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 335 Venango Avenue, Cambridge Springs on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held there on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend James Tubbs officiating. Interment will follow at Kingsley Cemetery, Townville. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Townville Volunteer Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 85, Townville, PA 16360.
sorry to hear of your loss. I liked Audrey.
Our sincere sympathy to Keith and his family. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you.
Dan & Betty Gillette Hallett ( a high school classmate of Keith’s)
Darrel & family,
My deepest sympathies to you & your family.
You are in my prayers.
Diane
I’m so sorry to read of Audrey’s passing this morning. There are many memories of her and the family. Sending all much sympathy and Gods best blessings. Love ya
Aunt Audrey,
You will be greatly missed by the entire family, You were the one that kept all together, You held together through the good and the bad , all of us always knew when we ever needed to talk about anything we could call you, you always had open ears,an open mind and a very large open heart no matter what situation would arrive.
You are at peace now , resting with the best, Always continue with open ears I still talk to you, even when your not here, Because you will always be here in my Heart and mind.
Love Your Neice
Terri