Richard J. Bechtel

Obituary
Richard J. Bechtel age 98, formerly of Powell, Ohio, entered eternal life on July 11, 2023.
Richard was born to Leland and Mary Alice (Miller) Bechtel of New Washington, Ohio.
Richard's life reflected his devotion to his Catholic faith, family, and service.
Richard was ordained a priest on May 31, 1953. After 21 years of ministry, he married Mary Ellen
Murtha, a former Franciscan Sister. They were married in 1974 at St. John the Evangelist Church in
Columbus, Ohio. Mary Ellen preceded Richard in Eternal life on February 21, 2015.
Richard and Mary Ellen ministered throughout their lives as good and faithful servants. Mary Ellen was a
teacher and principal for 34 years in Catholic Schools. Richard devoted many years in ministry and
service to help those in need and care for the elderly. He worked for the Ohio Department of Public
Welfare and served for 17 years as a nursing home administrator. Richard retired on December 31, 1992,
from Union Manor, Marysville.
During retirement, Richard and Mary Ellen served for many years as sacristans and lectors at Immaculate
Conception Church at the 11:00 a.m. daily mass. They made many friends during this time and remained
steadfast in spreading the Gospel message.
They lived at Worthington Christian Village Independent Living, where they continued to serve and live
their faith. Richard assisted the priests and church volunteers from St. Michael's Catholic Church in the
spiritual care of Catholic residents for many years. He was well known for gathering residents who
wanted to join the community and worship for the Holy Catholic Mass.
Richard and Mary Ellen were parishioners of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. They attended the
Saturday vigil mass and then enjoyed an evening out together. Christ was the center of their lives and
marriage.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brother Fr. Charles Bechtel, sister Ann Rotterdam (Gerald)
of Toledo, and their two sons James and Tom, sister Virginia McDowell (Wayne), and their daughter Ann
of Shelby, Ohio. He is survived by two special nieces: his sister Ann's daughter Carol Ebdon, Omaha,
Nebraska, and his sister Virginia's daughter, Alice McDowell, Shelby, Ohio, and his 4 great-nieces and
nephews and 4 great-great nieces and nephews.
He is also preceded in death by Mary Ellen's parents, Matthew James Sr., and Ellen Murtha, and two
brothers, Matthew J. Murtha (Thelma) and Edward F. Murtha (Mary Ellen) of Columbus, Ohio. He is
survived by 16 nieces and nephews, 34 great-nieces and nephews, and 15 great-great nieces and
nephews in the Murtha Clan. Special Thanks to his niece, Mary Murtha, and nephew, Matthew Murtha
for their help and advice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on August 5, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church, 20 E. Dominion
Blvd., Columbus, Ohio. Calling hours will be before mass from 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. in the vestibule of the
church. The burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery 9571 North High St., Route 23 North, Lewis
Center, Oh., 43035.
Funeral services are by Egan Ryan, Northwest Location, 4661 Kenny Rd., Columbus, Ohio.
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