Barbara J. Bechtel's Obituary
Decatur-Barbara J. “Barb” Bechtel, 76, of Decatur passed away Thursday, July 5, 2012 in Aspen Ridge Care Center.
Per Barbara’s wishes cremation services will be provided by Graceland/Fairlawn Crematory.
No services are planned. Memorial contributions may be directed to Rock Springs Center for Environmental Discovery or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Barbara was born March 26, 1936 in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Ted S. and Beverly J. Taylor. She graduated from Decatur High School in 1954, from the Decatur Macon County Hospital School of Nursing in 1957, and from Millikin University in 1975. She married D. Larry Bechtel in 1956.
Her working career included Decatur Memorial Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital in Gary, Indiana, time as a school nurse for the Decatur Public Schools, and as an ER trauma nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. She retired from Decatur St. Mary’s in 1998.
She was an adult Girl Scout Leader and was recognized for thirty-five years of service to Girl Scouts. She volunteered at Rock Springs and was recognized for forty years of service. She enjoyed going on Elderhostel’s. She also enjoyed reading and had longtime interest in the history of early settlers in Decatur and Macon County and in medical history.
Barbara leaves behind her husband Larry of Decatur, daughter Julia Ann Bechtel of Decatur, sons Michael Eugene Bechtel of Decatur and John Lawrence Bechtel of Prophetstown, Illinois, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, brothers Donald Taylor of Bloomington, Illinois and David Taylor of Kankakee, and sister Bonnie Taylor of Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandchild
The family of Barbara Bechtel is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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