She was born Jan. 4, 1905, in St. Joseph, Mo., the daughter of Martin T. and Pearl (Aery) Winchester. She moved to Atchison County when she was 5 and lived on a farm near the Old Huron community. She moved to Lawrence from Everest in 1945.

Mrs. Bechtold was a homemaker and member of South Side Church of Christ.

She married Thomas Bechtold on Oct. 10, 1928, in Everest. He died June 6, 1988.

Survivors include a daughter, Ruby Jennings, Lawrence; a brother, Joseph Winchel, Harbor City, Calif.; two sisters, Erma Bueghly, Mesa, Ariz., and Hazel Lowrie, Salem, Ore.; two grandsons and eight great-grandchildren.

A daughter, Mary Evelyn, died earlier.

The family suggests memorials to Lawrence Presbyterian Manor or Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.