Bechtel, Leah (1859-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Mar 3 p. 1

Birth date: 1859 Jan 16

text of obituary:

OLDEST RESIDENT OF ELKHART COUNTY, IND. DIES AT AGE 101

Goshen, Ind. — Mrs. Leah Bechtel, believed to be the oldest resident of Elkhart county, died Feb. 25 at the age of 101. Death came at the home of a son, Henry Bechtel, near Wakarusa.

Born in Williams county, Ohio on Jan. 16, 1859, Mrs. Bechtel had lived in the Wakarusa community most of her life. Since the death of her husband, Jacob Bechtel, in 1948, she had made her home with her two sons.

Funeral services were held Feb. 29 at the Yellow Creek Frame Mennonite church, with Wm. Ramer, Joe Martin and Paul hoover officiating.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Mar 17 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. LEAH BECHTEL

Leah (Lehman) Bechtel, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Christophel) Lehman, was born in Williams county, Ohio on Jan. 16, 1859. She departed this life at the home of her step-son, Henry Bechtel, southeast of Wakarusa, Ind. on Feb. 25, 1960 at the age of 101 years, one month and nine days.

When a young woman she came to Elkhart county, Ind., where she spent the remainder of her life.

She accepted Christ as her Saviour in early years, becoming a member of the Wisler Mennonite church where she remained faithful until death.

On Jan. 30, 1898 she was united in marriage to Jacob H. Bechtel who preceded her in death April 12, 1948. To this union were born two children: Bertha who departed this life Feb. 24, 1933, and Warren of the home community. Henry, at whose home she passed away, was a baby of a little over two years old when Leah came to this home and has always known her as mother.

In her declining years she had her home, alternately, with these two sons. She had moved several times since her 100th birthday.

Other survivers [sic] include nine grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and many friends and acquaintances. Three sisters and six brothers preceded her in death. She was the oldest child in her family and the last survivor.

Funeral services were conducted at the Yellow Creek Frame Mennonite church west of Goshen, Ind. on Feb. 28. Rev. Paul Hoover and Rev. William Ramer, the home ministers, officiated, assisted by Rev. Elmer Good of Orrville, Ohio. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.