Kathleen N. Bechter

Our dearest mother, Kathleen N. Bechter (nee Narmore) passed from complications with Alzheimer Disease at age 88. She was preceded by husband, Ralph John Bechter; son, Michael Paul Bechter; sister, Irene N. Kibble; and her husband, Tom; parents, Albert Owen and Della Genevieve Narmore (Grayshock); and many dear relatives and friends. She is survived by her son, Albert Owen Bechter; and daughter, Cynthia Lee Bechter Smith; and her “favorite son-n-law” Terrence Bechter Smith.

Kathleen was born December 4th, 1936. She spent her childhood camping and fishing with her loving parents and forever-friend and sister Irene, and visiting with her favorite cousin, Peggy, and other relatives in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Kathleen spent many a day playing baseball with neighborhood kids at the park in front of her family’s house. She also cherished time shopping with her Aunt Helen Chanken (nee Grayshock). Kathleen graduated from East High School in 1955 and went to The University of Akron. She enjoyed attending her high school class reunions for many years.

Kathleen was a gymnast at the Akron Turner Club, where she met her husband-to-be, Ralph. They were married November 9th, 1956. They continued a tradition of camping and fishing with family, playing volleyball, and taking trips on their motorcycle. Their first long distance trial was to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where she travelled with sister, Irene, and brother-in-law, Tom. The total trip lasting only four days. Ralph and Kathleen were avid dancers and danced into their later years. They enjoyed local events with relatives and friends, religiously following the Gene Fiocca Band.  

Kathleen was employed at Steere Enterprises in the Laboratory for many years. From her children’s perspectives, mom’s career provided them with the trendiest bicycle grips - numerous colors, sparkly, tie dye patterns….the envy of the neighborhood kids and, there was an endless supply of quick coins.

Kathleen was also, a member and past president of The Society of Plastic Engineers. Her career  abruptly ended when her youngest son, Mike was permanently injured in a motorcycle accident. Kathleen lovingly cared for him for over thirty years until passing the reigns to her eldest son, Owen.

Throughout her own children’s youth, she encouraged them in sports - gymnastics, baseball and basketball. They took trips to the Akron Art Museum, had picnics with grandparents at Whipps Ledges, and went on multiple camping trips with friends and family. Kathleen practiced ball catching with her sons and attended their games.

As the children emerged into teenagers, Kathleen took them on adventurous trips that she participated in also - white water rafting on the Youghiogheny River, hang gliding at Kitty Hawk, and motorcycle/camping to Put-In-Bay. Kathleen and her daughter enjoyed “treasure hunting” at Thrift Stores, antique shows and estate sales. The drive time was spent talking politics and family history, they were insightful times. Many thanks go-out for the kindness in her later years to the estate sale proprietors, especially Andersons and Jason Adams.

Kathleen’s actions taught her children well. Like the time she did not get upset when her daughter dropped a freshly made plate of deviled eggs when heading to the car. “They were only smashed some, protected by the plastic wrap and will taste fine”. Or, in the early 1960’s, when mom invited a young African American girl into the house to use the telephone after her daughter had witnessed the neighbors denying her access. Kathleen will be remember for being loving, smart and an involved mother, who was beautiful both on the inside as well as the outs. 

Mom will be forever in our hearts. 

Funeral service 10 A.M. THURSDAY March 6th, 2025 at the Billow FALLS Chapel, 1907 23rd St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223. Calling hours 4-6 P.M. WEDNESDAY March 5th at the Billow FALLS Chapel. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery (Akron). 

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1907 23rd St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.