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.
Bechtel, AudreyAudrey 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.