Obituary of Merle Bechtold

Merle Bechtold

October 27, 1932 -- July 10, 2020

Merle Bechtold left this world peacefully on the afternoon of July 10. 2010.   In heaven, she joins her mother Margaret Ward, husband Bud Bechtold, daughter Lori Jo Rutland and grandchildren Rachel Cruz and Keith Kolman.  She is survived by her children Earl Rutland, Sherrie Rutland, Kay Beauvois, Karen Trudeau,  granddaughters Kelly and Diana, and two step-children.

Merle Bechtold, nee Annie Merle Ward, was born in Moultrie, Georgia, where she received her primary and secondary education.  She married Earl J. Rutland, Sr. with whom she relocated to Wauchula, FL.  Merle bore 4 children, and immersed herself in being a loving wife, mother and homemaker.   Years later she relocated to St. Petersburg, FL and was remarried to the love of her life, Bud Bechtold.

Merle had careers in the dental field and real estate and owned and managed a successful business with her husband.   Originally a Southern Baptist, Merle joined the Episcopalian Church after her marriage to Bud.  She and Bud were active and dedicated parishioners of the church and held positions of responsibility therein.  Over their years together, they enjoyed buying and remodeling homes, fishing, boating, socializing with their church family and spending time with their children and grandchildren.   Merle was also great in the kitchen – when she was cooking, you definitely wanted to be at the table!!!

Merle was liked, respected and deeply loved by all who knew her.   She had a kind and sweet disposition, an open mind and heart, and a non-judgmental view toward her fellow-human beings.  Despite difficult emotional and physical pain she experienced due to the ordinary travails of life, she always kept a positive attitude and kept moving forward.  Never a quitter; she was and always will be an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

After becoming a widow, Merle's daughter Kay and son-in-law Don moved in to watch over and care for her.  Over Merle's last 15 years of life, she became extremely close and reliant on Kay.   Below, Kay leaves a special tribute to her mother:

My mom Merle was a wonderful human being. She cared for me like no other from the time of my birth until her passing; we were always attached at the hip.  There was nothing she would not do for me, and there was nothing I would not do for her. I knew her deepest secrets and she knew mine. I've never had a better friend or confidant. My husband Don now has very large shoes to fill. She loved Don like a son and said so many times.  Bud, her children, step-children and grandchildren were always on her mind and in her heart. She has gone to a place where she will no longer suffer and will be with those who went before her.   She has often said she is ready for the next life and the joy she will experience with all her loved ones. I wish I could have had more time with her, but it is her time now not mine.  We will all be with her again someday and will get to rejoice together in our new life in a better place. Mom, I miss you more than words can describe, but I was in your heart, and you are always in mine. Until we meet again, you will be thought of and missed daily, but now it's your time to celebrate with all those who are waiting for you, Bud, Lori, Rachel, Keith and so many more. Go enjoy and be at peace until we are together again. I love you mom. So long for now but not forever. 

Final arrangements are being handled by Anderson McQueen;  internment of ashes with those of her beloved husband Bud will take place on Friday,  July 17, 2020 at Bay Pines.