Gloria R. Bechtel, R.N.

Gloria R. (Anderson) Bechtel, RN, 94, died Sunday morning in her home in Pottsville.

Gloria, lovingly known as “Gee,” was born June 16, 1926, in Collingswood, NJ, the daughter of Nelson Stanley and Bertha Julia (Alexy) Anderson. After graduating from Philadelphia High School for Girls in 1944 and Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing in 1947, she joined the Cadet Nursing Corp. She worked in nursing and as a model prior to moving to Pottsville and marrying Dr. Edgar F. Bechtel in 1949. He preceded her in death on November 23, 1972.

Gloria was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School for 20 years and served on Church Council. A member of the American Red Cross, she volunteered on the Schuylkill and East Northumberland chapter and served as chairwoman. She was active in local Girl Scouts and served on the Board of Directors of the Penns Woods Girl Scout Council. Gloria was a member and past-president of the Good Samaritan Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, and a member of the Lehigh Valley Health Auxiliary. She was a charter member of the Women’s War Memorial in Washington, DC.

Gloria is survived by her son, David Bechtel (Alice), Mechanicsville; daughters Suzanne O’Neill, Gordon; Ginger Bartol (Jim), Pottsville; Alicia Vadyak, Schuylkill Haven; Barbara Bechtel, Gordon; Kristine Bechtel (Tom), Pottsville; Kimberly Weinstock (Jonathan), Chester, VA; grandchildren: Rev. David, Danny and Bobby (Emmy) Bechtel; Alyson Allman (Tom); Erik Bartol (Leeza); J. Sean O'Neill; Jaime Whalen; John Vadyak; Dr. Justin Weinstock  and Aaron Weinstock; and five great-grandchildren: Preston and Meadow Whalen; Jayden Gowin; Grayson Allman; and Mia Parry; and lifelong friend and caregiver Ruth Russell.

Service will be held at 11 AM Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, with Rev. Chris Rothharpt and her grandson Rev. David Bechtel officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:00 – 10:30 AM Saturday at James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville. Interment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Pottsville. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W. Arch St., Pottsville, PA 17901. Anyone attending is asked to please wear a mask.

Please share your memories and condolences with Gloria's family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com