Loretta Bechert

Loretta Arline Bechert, 87, died October 4, 2021 at Vista Woods Nursing Home in Ottumwa.  She was born December 14, 1933 to Jesse and Ardie (Prather) Watson in Westfield, Illinois.  She graduated in 1951 from Westfield high school as valedictorian.  She earned her bachelors degree in Home Economics and Chemistry from Eastern Illinois University in 1955 and later received her master’s degree in Home Economics from the University of Illinois.  After graduation she taught full time at Minier, IL and Sheldon, IL schools.  On November 22, 1959 she married James Eduard Bechert in Westfield, IL.  They lived and farmed together in Indiana until moving to Iowa in 1973.  They lived and farmed near Sigourney for three years, moving to the farm near Agency in 1976.  She was a hands on farm wife and management for the farm.  Loretta was a substitute teacher for the Cardinal School District for 25 years.  She was religious, hardworking, family Jeopardy champion and a great cook.  She was a member of UMW and the Agency United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James on September 21, 1998, brothers Richard and Philip Watson.

She is survived by her sons Chris (Carol) Bechert of Sigourney, Richard (Susan) Bechert of Union Grove, Alabama, Kurt Bechert of Agency, and Phil (Carrie) Bechert of Eldon, 8 grandchildren Katie, Steven, Danny, Victoria, Jake, AJ, Brianna, and Lexi, 3 great-grandchildren Axl, Ethan, and Tylee.