Leola Lilly Bechthold

Leola Lilly Bechthold, 86, of Greeley, passed away at Grace Pointe in Greeley on June 25, 2015. She was born December 12, 1928 in Blue Hill, NE, to Frank and Lilly (Dahms) Schmidt. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. Leola was the seventh of seven children. She graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1947.

On June 10, 1947 Leola married Barton Buss at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill, NE. Barton and Leola moved to Greeley in 1955. Barton worked for the City of Greeley and Weld County until his death in 1977. Leola was a teacher’s aide with District 6 for four years, sold real estate for 12 years, and finally worked as a real estate appraiser in the Weld County Assessor’s Office for four years.

On January 21, 1984 she married Paul W. Bechthold at United Methodist Church in Greeley. After retiring, Leola and Paul enjoyed traveling in their motor home, golfing, and spending winters in AZ. They also traveled to Europe and enjoyed an Alaskan cruise. Leola and Paul loved to go dancing whenever they could.

Leola was an excellent seamstress and made most of her daughter’s school clothes a well as wedding dresses. Leola was active in the Assistance League of Greeley, Lucky 13 Card Club, and the Red Hat Society. She loved to play card games and dominos with family and friends. She loved to cook and made the best pies in the world. She also took pride in growing geraniums every summer.

She is survived by her daughters Carolyn (Hal) DeFreece, Greeley and Denise (Ken) Neece, Greeley; husband Paul W. Bechthold, Greeley; brother Edgar (Mable) Schmidt, Hastings, NE; grandson Jeffrey Neece, Las Vegas, NV; and granddaughter Jennifer Neece, Federal Heights, CO. Blended family Debra (Fred) Krebs, Centennial, CO, Scott (Lorri) Bechthold, Loveland; grandchildren Katie (Ryan) Kachelries, Aurora, CO, Blair Krebs (fiancé Jeff Listino), Philadelphia, PA, Steffanie Walker, Denton, TX, Jennifer Baird, Loveland, and Jason Baird, Loveland, Dana DeFreece (Jon Wilson), Westminster, CO, and Leigh DeFreece, San Diego, CA; great-grandchildren, Mallory and Zachary Kachelries, Aurora, Rylon Bechthold and Aisley Walker of Denton, TX, Devan DeFreece, Ryan DeFreece, Westminster, Madisyn Baird, Loveland, Carter and Jack Wilson, Westminster, CO.

She was preceded in death by husband Barton Buss, her parents, brothers Ervin Schmidt and Howard Schmidt; sisters Verna Kort, Eleanor Nitzel, Lucille Rothlisberger and grandson Zachary Bechthold.

A private family inurnment will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 2, 2015 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, followed by services starting at 11:00 A.M. to be held at Trinity Lutheran Church. A reception will follow the service at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Trinity Lutheran School, American Cancer Society or the First United Methodist Church in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th Street, Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.