Harriett Ann Bechtle

Harriett Ann Bechtle, age 67, of Ottawa, Kansas, died Wednesday, January 16, 2013. She was born on Thursday, August 16, 1945 in Ottawa, the daughter of Chester Nathan and Gertrude Alvena (Wendorff) Bechtle. She has lived in Ottawa since 2007 moving from La Cygne, Kansas. During her career she had lived in many locations including Shawnee Mission, Kansas; Council Bluffs, Iowa; and many small Kansas towns. Harriett attended Ottawa schools graduating from Ottawa High School in 1963. She attended two years at Ottawa University and later graduated from Emporia State University in 1967 with a Bachelors of Science in Education. In 1971 she graduated from the University of Kansas with a Masters Degree in Education focusing on Special Education. In 1984 she graduated from St. Paul School of Theology, in Kansas City, Missouri with a Masters of Divinity Degree. Harriett retired as an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church in 2010. During her career she worked as an elementary school teacher in the Shawnee Mission School District from 1967 to 1970. For ten years she worked with emotionally disturbed children at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, from 1971 to 1981. Harriett was active in the Life of the Broadway United Methodist Church, Council Bluffs, Iowa where she was recommended for ordained ministry. After graduating from the St. Paul’s School of Theology in 1984 she was ordained as an Elder in 1987. She then served as pastor in nine churches in the Five Rivers District including Trinity United Methodist Church of Ottawa and Richmond United Methodist Church. She is survived by her: Brother – Duane Bechtle of Independence, Kansas; Brother – David Bechtle and wife Audrey of Lone Jack, Missouri and Many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her Parents – Chester and Gertrude Bechtle. SERVICES: Memorial Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Ottawa, Kansas, 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 19, 2013. VISITATION: The family will meet with friends prior to services at the First United Methodist Church, from 12:30 to 2:00 P.M. CEMETERY: Inurnment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Habitat for Humanity c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.