Phyllis passed away on January 8, 2021 at a family home surrounded by loved ones.  She was 94.

She was born on a farm near Rhodes, Iowa on July 31, 1926 to William and Agnes Mead.  She had three siblings: Muriel, Ralph and twin brother Philip.  She was married to Donald Bechtel on May 10, 1947 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Grimes, Iowa.

Phyllis is survived by Lon Bechtel and Judy Keeler, Lawrence and Margaret Bechtel, Les and Tammy Bechtel, Jean and Jim Hudson; grandchildren: Chad Bechtel and Cori Armes, Alex Bechtel, Bridget Bechtel, Gretchen Bechtel, Haley Hudson and Lance Hudson; great-grandsons: Brantley, Charlie and Huckley Bechtel.

Phyllis's family and friends describe her as having gentle strength.  She was loving, accepting, kind and patient.  She was a devoted wife, a supportive mother, a wonderful mother-in-law, a doting grandmother, a proud great-grandmother, and a loyal friend.  Phyllis was devoted to her faith.  She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church for almost 60 years.  She served on numerous committees, as well as the altar guild and the quilting group.  Phyllis was a long-term volunteer at St. John's Hospital and the Visitors Bureau.  Her family celebrates the long life she was granted, and they mourn her loss.  She will be missed greatly.

Due to the COVID-19 virus, a private service for family and close friends will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Endowment Fund of Messiah Lutheran Church, 925 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO 65804, or to a charitable cause of your own choosing.