Former Olpe resident Elizabeth Bechtel was the guest of honor at a reception to celebrate her 101st birthday anniversary at the Holiday Resort care center.
In addition to family members, former neighbors and other friends, many members of the Happy Homemakers extension unit and the St. Ann’s Altar Society were among those who gathered to sing a birthday song to Mrs. Bechtel.
Mrs. Bechtel, the former Elizabeth Brown, and her late husband Bill Bechtel were the parents of six children, including their oldest son, Bill, who died in 2001. The couple’s remaining children and their spouses attended the celebration on Jan. 20. They are: Arlene and Leo Schneider, Lakewood, Colo.; Harry and Alice Bechtel, Olpe; Carl and Sharon Bechtel, Emporia; Norbert and Kathy Bechtel, Hutchinson; and Dorothy and Steve Parker, Grapevine, Texas.
Bechtel also has nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
She is a lifelong member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and an honorary member of the altar society.