Ella Mae Bechtel

Ella Mae Bechtel, 89, of Elkhart, died at home on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 surrounded by her loving family.

Ella was born on November 27, 1927 in Elkhart to the late Walter E. and Gertrude E. (Lucke) Click.  Also preceding her in death is a sister, Betty Ann Misener.

As Ella Mae Click, she married Ralph E. Bechtel, Sr. on November 14, 1948 in Elkhart County.  Ralph died on April 5, 1992.

Surviving are her children, Loretta “Lori” (Eldon Jr.) Barrick of Elkhart; Douglas A. Bechtel of Elkhart, Ralph E. Bechtel Jr. of Goshen; four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren; four great grandchildren and seven step-great grandchildren.

A wonderful cook and baker, Ella spent most of her life in the restaurant business, having worked at the Carrol Drive Inn in Dunlap, Kresge’s and Judd Drugs in Elkhart.  She also worked for a time at Switch’s in Goshen.

Ella was a member of the Dunlap United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Concord Fire Department Auxiliary.  She was also a member of the Elkhart Moose Lodge #599, the Fairview Grange #2177 in Goshen, the Starlight Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, and the White Shrine Temple.  She loved camping with the County Campers and the Traveling Grangers.  She enjoyed wintering at the Hidden Valley Ranch in Deming, New Mexico.  She played BINGO at the Salvation Army at the Fairview Grange every week.  When Ella wasn’t enjoying her favorite pastime, shopping, she could be found spending time with her family.

Visitation for Ella Mae will be held on Friday, September 22nd from 3 to 7 at the Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.  Funeral services will also be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 23rd at 10 a.m.  The Rev. Jerry Turner, pastor at Ella’s church will officiate and burial will be in South Union Cemetery in Nappanee.

Memorial contributions in memory of Ella may be made to the Concord Township Fire Department 23625 C. R. 18 Elkhart, IN 46516.

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