Linda Lee Bechtel

Linda Lee Bechtel, age 64, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully following a brief battle with cancer, Saturday, May 24, 2014 while in the care of Community Hospice House.

A daughter of Dorothy (Smitley) Waller of New Philadelphia and the late Clifford Duesenberry, Linda was born in Union Hospital at Dover.

Linda began her education at the former Ragersville School and later attended New Philadelphia High School. She was employed by the former ALSCO Aluminum at Sugarcreek prior to joining K-Mart at New Philadelphia where she worked in numerous departments for 18 years prior to her retirement. In addition to her work at K-Mart, she greatly enjoyed being an Avon Representative for many years and throughout that time enjoyed the fellowship with her clients and friends.

She enjoyed collectible items and early in her life, she was on the continuous look out for owl memorabilia and for the past several years, Linda has enjoyed collecting memorabilia of the Pillsbury Doughboy. Linda loved family gatherings and was usually found with a camera or a camcorder in her hand capturing all of the special moments as they unfolded. Throughout the years, Linda’s kindhearted nature found her caring for family members as they suffered through period of ill health. She greatly enjoyed the time she spent nursing them to health and ensuring their well-being.

In addition to her mother, Linda leaves behind her husband, Max Bechtel, whom she married on August 15, 1969; three sons, Michael (Valerie) Bechtel of Clinton, Ohio, Max Bechtel and Matthew Bechtel both of Dover; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, Jr., Morgan, Max, Jr., and Sidney and two great-granddaughters, Allyssa Lynn and Hailey Ray.

Siblings, Glen (Jackie) Murphy, Patty Murphy, Larry (Shelly) Murphy, Thelma Murphy, Robin Staley, and Debra Tulak as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.

In addition to her father, Linda was preceded in death by two step-fathers, Glen Murphy and Bob Waller.

The family will greet guests on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where Pastor Jason Stephens will lead a service celebrating Linda’s life will begin at 7:00 PM. Following the service, a light reception and time of fellowship will be shared in the Hospitality Room of the Dover Geib Funeral Center.

Memorial contributions in Linda’s name may be directed to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.