Sydney Eola Bechtold

Sydney Eola Bechtold went to be with the Lord on Saturday morning, April 16, 2016 at her home in Yelm, WA. She was 76 years old, born on December 5, 1939 in Honolulu, HI. She came to the mainland with her family in 1951 and eventually settled in Auburn, WA. She married her husband, John Bechtold, in 1964 and they lived in Auburn for 40 years, and in Yelm for the last 12 years. She retired from the Auburn School District after 24 years of service as a school bus driver. She was a caring and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She had a mother’s heart and shared it will so many others, including 19 foster children. It was this attribute that caused her to care for every one of the children that rode her bus, many of them, whom as adults still remember her and recognized and greeted her if they saw her. Family was very important to her and she would whatever she could to help anyone and everyone. Her home was always open and welcoming to all. Strangers were only friends she had never met. She loved Christmas and decorating her home for the holidays. She loved to cook for her family and others. She had many interests and hobbies throughout her life. She loved RV’s and camping, did macramé, had large tropical fish tanks, was a member of the Starshooters CB club for 6 years. Sydney was preceded in death by her mom and dad, Alice and Richard Pranger, and her brother, Roger Pranger. She is survived by her husband, John Bechtold, her son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Kelly Bechtold, five grandchildren – Dalton, Arianah, Kailani, Devyn and Maverick, two brothers – Tom Pranger of Buckley, and Stephen Pranger of Seattle, three sisters – Jaqueline Wetmore of Kennewick, Sharon Ayers of Tacoma, and Erlene Smith of Auburn, and a wealth of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her, both near and far. Please leave memories of Sydney or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.