Gretchen Ann Smith Bechtol passed away Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Mrs. Bechtol was born May 30, 1918, to Dr. William D. and Anna Smith of Everett. She attended Catholic elementary schools in Everett, graduating from Everett High in 1935. She went on to St. Catherine’s Catholic University in Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Washington, where she met the love of her life, Charles R. Bechtol. The couple was married 51 years before his death in 1992. They lived in Seattle, Palm Desert and on Whidbey Island.

The last two years were spent as a snow bird in Arizona with her daughter Ann and husband.

She is survived by two daughters, Chris (Duane) Gabelein and Ann (Ralph) Green; six grandsons, Rod and Chuck Gabelein, Lance (Amanda) Green, Keith (Kathy) Green, Kyle and Terry Green; and two great-granddaughters, Rylee and Gabriella Green, all in Washington; and a sister, Ermine Bickford of Coupeville.

Mrs. Bechtol touched many people with her generous spirit and sense of humor.

At her request, there will be no services. Cremation was held in Arizona. In lieu of flowers, she requested donations be made to Hospice of Arizona, 2222 W. Northern Ave, Suite A-100, Phoenix, AZ 85021.