Blanche ‘Becky’ Bechtel Thompson 93 of Frankfort, IN, died 9:58 p.m. April 27, 2010, at St. Vincent Frankfort Hospital. Born September 11, 1916 in Reading, PA to John and Emma (Wicklein) Bechtel. She married Samuel L. Thompson on June 5, 1943 and he preceded her in death on March 31, 1998. Mrs. Thompson grew up in Pennsylvania and received her B.S. degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. She moved to Frankfort in 1947. A business teacher, she taught at Wilmington, DE for 6 years and Frankfort for 10 years. She was a member and active at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher. She was also a member of ISTA, FEA, Clinton County Retired Teachers, Tri Kappa, Phi Gamma Nu, Astron Honor Society, Women’s Athletic Board, and past board member of the On Stage Foundation “Red Barn Summer Theatre”. She was a 4-H Leader for 10 years, a member of Happy Time Club, recipient of Governor’s Area IV Older Hoosier Award, served on Paul Phillippe Resource Center Board, and Southside PTA President. While living at Wesley Manor, she was chairman of Food Committee, Menu Planning Committee, and conducted 29 regional meals from around the world. Faith, church, family & friends were the centerpiece of her life.
Visitation and Services
Memorial Service 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the Wesley Manor Chapel, 1555 N. Main St., Frankfort. Tom Jameson will officiate. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church; 352 W. Clinton St., Frankfort or Frankfort Community Public Library; 208 W. Clinton St., Frankfort. Envelopes will be available.
Survived by:
2 Daughters: Lynn (Dave) Kelso of Wilmette, IL and Barbara (Bill) Kelley of Frankfort, IN
1 Son: Samuel Steven (Vicki) Thompson of Elkhart, IN
7 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren
To Barb and Bill and family, Mike and I are so sad to hear the passing of Becky. I described her to someone today as a classy, Christian woman who always had a smile – for everyone. She will be dearly missed by many, but especially her beloved family. Her life was a true vision of her faith in Our God, so I have no doubts she is rejoicing with Him today. She will be sadly missed by anyone who ever met her. We love you guys and will pray for the sense of peace and grace only Our Father can give you all. Love and prayers, Mike and Diana Kelley
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWe shall truly miss our dear friend Becky. Her beautiful smile was always the warmest of greetings. She was a special lady. Our prayers go out to the family. In Christ, Connie and Jack (from Florida)
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Facebook Twitter GoogleTo Steve and Vicki and family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. I was truly sad to hear about the passing of your mother. Each summer I take my mother to Wesley Manor to visit with her friends and would usually see your mother in the lobby. If not there, I always made a point of visiting with her. She always had a smile on her face and was happy to see me and to hear about my visits with Vicki. She will truly be missed. What a wonderful lady.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleBarb, Bill and Family,
We are very sorry to hear the passing of Becky. As you know she was a special lady. Always a smile on her face. I remember both of our boys talking about how nice she was when all the boys used to run around together. She will be missed, but life goes on and she is in a great place watching all. Our prayers are with you all. Mike and Pam.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleBarb, Bill and family
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a very special person and always so sweet, caring, and loving. My mother counted her as a good friend when they taught together at FSHS and they shared many good times together. We know she will be missed but lovely memories will carry on. We are thinking of you at this time and sorry we cannot attend the memorial service for her. It is our granddaughters college graduation.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMy high-school guidance counselor, Mrs. Gibbs, suggested that I should take Mrs. Thompson’s ‘Beginning Typing’ class because, as Mrs. Gibbs said, “You will learn a skill you can use the rest of your life.” She was so right. Mrs. Thompson always smiled and shook her head at the 2-3 boys who dared take her class amongst two-dozen girls as she said, “I’m not sure why your friends aren’t taking this class, but they are losing out.” I can still hear in my mind the click-clack of the big green, manual Remington’s in her class every once in a while as I spend hours each day at the computer keyboard. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson, for teaching me a life skill. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSo sorry to hear of Barb’s mother passing. I’ve often wondered if she was related to a brother-in-law of mine who lives in Collingdale, PA (Russell Jacob Bechtel, born 5-25-1920–I don’t know his parents’ names; but I could find out). Our sincere condolences to all the family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleLynn, Bev and I were saddened to hear of the passing of your Mother. I know we haven’t had much contact but I’ve always considered you one of my friends from Lincoln. Again, all our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, Lynn and Barbara.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Lynn,
I know your mom is in a far better place walking Streets of Gold with Our Savior. Just heard about it tonight. My prayers for you and your families are with all of you. She is a precious Mother & friend.
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