Leona Bechtelheimer

BECHTELHEIMER, Leona Brittle, age 76, lifelong native of Brooksville, FL died September 12, 2014 at her home. Mrs. Bechtelheimer grew up on a farm just outside of Brooksville and was no stranger to hard work. 1n 1954, she graduated high school at the top of her class at the age of 16. Her family could not afford to send her to college, so she went to work at various businesses where she learned bookkeeping and property transactions. In 1963, she joined the Hernando County Tax Collector’s office. Because of her hard work and dedication, the people of Hernando County elected her Tax Collector where she served until 2001. A couple of years after her retirement, she joined the WREC Board of Trustees. During her tenure, WREC saw extensive growth with the housing boom as well as a signficant decline during the “Great Recession”. As a board member, Leona was a tireless advocate of this Cooperative. She truly will be missed by all at WREC. She is survived by husband: Lee Bechtelheimer; sons and daughters-in-law: Michael Lee and Tricia Bechtelheimer; Cedric Guy and Kim Bechtelheimer, all of Brooksville, FL; daughter and son-in-law: Theresa Ann and Nelson Simpson of Palm Harbor, FL; sisters: Melendia Trowell of Brooksville, FL; Tillie Davis of Archer, FL; Juanita Sikes of Brooksville, FL; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be at  5:30pm, Thursday, September 18, 2014 at the  First United Methodist Church of Brooksville. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HPH Hospice.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

“Family Owned and Operated”

(352) 796-6699

www.merrittfuneral.com