Barbara S. Bechtold

Barbara was born in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Lloyd and Esther (Parsons) Stevenson. She was a 1944 graduate of Beaver Area High School, and following studies in business/secretarial skills, worked for a number of years as a secretary in the Montclair Public School system, Curtis Wright, and later as an office manager in the mental health field.

Barbara was a member of the Caldwell United Methodist Church for 78 years where she served in many different capacities. She was an active member and past president of the United Methodist Women. She also served as a member and President of the Auxiliary at Bristol Glen. Barbara was a member of the North Caldwell Firemen’s Auxiliary, North Caldwell Historical Society and North Caldwell Senior Citizens. She loved reading, shopping, travelling, and learning, and was deeply devoted to her faith and family.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was also predeceased by her husband, Kenneth G. Bechtold Sr., and her brother Lloyd W. Stevenson. She is survived by her children, Kenneth G. Bechtold, Jr. (Julie), Steven G. Bechtold (Ellen) and Nancy J.B. Carver (Don); her grandchildren, Jennifer, Katherine, Ken III, Sarah, Seth and Esther; 11 great-grandchildren; and two brothers: J. Richard Stevenson (Margo) and William A. Stevenson (Ann).

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sparta United Methodist Church, 71 Sparta Avenue, Sparta, NJ. under the direction of Smith-McCracken Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Caldwell UMC, 8 Academy Rd, Caldwell, NJ 07006, the Sparta UMC, 71 Sparta Avenue, Sparta, NJ 07871, or the United Methodist Church in Branchville, PO Box 509, Branchville, NJ 07826.