JEAN BECHTLE

JEAN BECHTLE Jean M. Bechtle, 81, died Friday, November 15, 2024, at Garden Valley Retirement Village in Garden City, Kansas. She was born December 3, 1942, in Maplecrest, New York, the daughter of Walter Charles & Dorotha Estelle (Vining) Baker. Jean grew up and attended 1st thru 12th grade at Windham Ashland Jewett Central School in Windham, New York. She then attended and graduated from the Moran Spencerian Business School in Kingston, New York. On November 7, 1964, she married Stanley Duane Bechtle in Maplecrest, New York, and they just celebrated their 60th anniversary. Jean worked her career as an executive secretary for various churches and colleges throughout the United States. She was a member of the Free Methodist Church in New York, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Kansas; the Nazarene Church in Texas and Kansas; a member of the McPherson Kansas Community Chorale and church choirs in Indiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas; served at Church organist in Texas, New York, Oklahoma, and Kansas; and a member of the traveling trio in Indiana. Survivors include her husband Stanley Bechtle of the home; a daughter Wendy (Roger) Murray of Garden City, Kansas; 2 brothers Harold Baker of Pennsylvania and Jere (Diane) Baker of New York; sisters-in-law Elvamae Baker of Wyoming and Betty Baker of Pennsylvania; and 2 grandsons Tucker (Kaitlyn) Murray of Lawrence, Kansas & Jeremy (Melissa) Murray of Jacksonville, North Carolina; and 7 great-grandchildren Ian, Adrian, Twila, Kaden, Tesla, Hazel, & Asher. Jean is preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter Tonya Bechtle; 2 brothers Donald Baker and Clifford Baker; and a sister-in-law June Baker. A celebration of Jean's life will be held at a later date. There will be no calling hours. The family suggests memorials given to Central Christian College of McPherson, Kansas in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City. Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.