Catherine B. (Eschbach) Bechtel

Catherine B. (Eshbach) Bechtel, 95, formerly of Oley, passed away on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at Souderton Mennonite Home.

Born in Eshbach, Catherine was the daughter of the late Oswin Eshbach and Virgin (Minner) Eshbach. She was also the widow of Jesse R. Bechtel, who passed away in 2014. They were happily married for 70 years. Catherine was an active member of Boyertown Mennonite Church and worked for many years as a sewing machine operator at Boyertown Casket Company.

Catherine loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and enjoyed having a lot of company. She loved cooking and baking as well as sewing and quilting. She liked to can and freeze vegetables and even had a cookbook of her recipes made by her grandchildren. Catherine taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. She was also a member of the Pennsylvania Sunday School Association as well as the sewing circle at Boyertown Mennonite Church.

Catherine is survived by her four children: Elaine, wife of Larry Shirk; David, husband of Janis Bechtel; Glenn, husband of Sharon Bechtel; and Bruce, husband of Debra Bechtel. Also surviving is one sister, Ruth Diener. Catherine is also survived by eleven grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren and three great-great grandsons. She was predeceased by one brother, Marlin Eshbach as well as one greatgrandson, Harold Kefauver Jr.

A viewing will be held from 9:30AM to 11AM on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at Boyertown Mennonite Church, 275 Mill Street, Boyertown, PA 19512. A funeral service will follow at 11AM. Burial will be in Fairview cemetery in Boyertown. Masks will be required for the services with medical exceptions only.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Catherine’s memory to the Souderton Mennonite Home Benevolent Fund, 207 W. Summit Street, Souderton, PA 18964.

Morrell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (www.morrellfuneralhome.com)