Audrey L Bechtel

Audrey L. Bechtel, our dear beloved mother and grandmother, passed from life on January 4, 2008 at the age of 92. She was a native of Toledo, Ohio, born on March 22, 1915, to Charles and Sadie Jacobs. She was preceded in death by her parents, her 4 siblings and her dearly loved husband, Albert Cloyde Bechtel, who passed away one year ago today. Audrey wed Albert Cloyde Bechtel on June 10, 1934. Their 72 year marriage was the relationship of a lifetime and a sterling example of loving, devoted companionship. She attended Walbridge School, and worked at the LaSalle's & Koch Department store. She later retired from A&P stores in 1977, where she had worked as a meat wrapper for over twenty years. Audrey had an incredible zest and joy for life. She enjoyed fishing, raucous card games and traveling, and was never one to be left behind no matter what the adventure. At the age of 71, for example, during a trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Audrey insisted that she be included on a hot air balloon flight, despite both her age and slightly gusty winds. The balloon wound up enduring a very bumpy landing, which resulted in Audrey injuring an ankle. She reveled in her injury, happily using her crutches as badges of honor - the hallmarks of a truly exciting adventure. Thus was her approach to all of life. As a true family matriarch, Audrey passed this joy and determination onto her children and grandchildren, all of whom she loved without end. They include her daughters, Claudette Tattersall (John) and Twila Hutchinson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandchildren, Pam (Jim), Audrey, Susan (Tom) and John C.; Beth (Ron), Kelly (Tino), Scott (Lyndy) and Becky; plus 11 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She also held great affection for Shirley Coolidge and Jon Walter, both of Toledo, dear friends who have demonstrated much love, kindness, commitment and caring for both Audrey and Al. Friends are invited to visit from 10 a.m.-Noon on Monday, January 07, 2008, in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Ave., where funeral services will immediately follow at 12 Noon. Interment will be private in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. "Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality." ~Emily Dickinson