Wallie Anna Bechtold

Wallie Anna Bechtold, born Wallie Anna Scheele on March 22, 1916 passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2014 at the age of 98 at her home in San Antonio, Texas. To the last day she was bright, full of life and love, and very active.

She is survived by her daughter Sharon Bechtold Wetz, her son-in-law Dr. James Wetz, of Spicewood, Texas, and her grandson Cody Harwood of Marble Falls, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Hilmar E. Bechtold.

Wallie grew up on the family ranch in Sisterdale, Texas and met and married Hilmar close by at Kendalia, Texas in 1939. They lived there till the war began and he joined the Army Air Corp (now the US Air Force) and were stationed in Altus, Oklahoma. During that time Wallie began her career with the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). After the war, they moved to San Antonio where she continued her career at Randolph Air Force Base Exchange, moving up through the ranks to Department Head and Buyer. She worked for AAFES for 32 years, but not one to like retirement, she began a second retail career at KG’s Men’s store where she worked until she was 78. She raised her only daughter Sharon while being a pioneer as a working mom, and always with an eye to fashion and what she called ‘being out with the public’. She and Hilmar had many friends, and enjoyed dancing, boating, water skiing and visiting their ranch house in Sisterdale. She maintained and lived independently in her own home in San Antonio till her last day, and was out of the house shopping the day before. She had a great love of life, fun, and people. She will be missed by family and many, many friends. All of us can say, “She was a great lady”!

The visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 9:30 A.M. at the funeral home. The graveside service and interment will follow at 12 noon at the Sisterdale Cemetery, Sisterdale, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisterdale Volunteer Fire Department or to King of Kings Lutheran Church in San Antonio. To sign the online guestbook, please log on to www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.