Ellen May Bechtolt

Ellen May Bechtolt, 88, of Warrenton, died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, in Warrenton.

She was born Oct. 20, 1923, in Independence, to Joseph H. and Esther M. (Lindsay) Birkholz.

Raised in Warrenton, she graduated from Warrenton High School in 1941. After graduation, she lived in Portland and worked as a waitress.

On Sept. 12, 1944, she married Robert G. Bechtolt in Vancouver, Wash. He preceded her in death in 1989.

After marrying, Mrs. Bechtolt and her husband lived in Warrenton, and she stayed at home raising her children. She later was employed at Point Adams Seafood Cannery. She had various jobs at the cannery including fish filleter, crab picker, etc. She retired in 1985.

Family members said her hobbies included gardening, quilting, knitting and puzzles and swimming at the Seaside pool.

She is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Michael and Willi Anne Bechtolt and Herb Bechtolt, all of Warrenton, and Casey and Pla Bechtolt of Phuket, Thailand; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and John Mattila of Warrenton; seven grandchildren, Tracie Zimmerman of Vancouver, Kim Zweibohmer of Portland, Erin Challenger of West Linn, Allison Mattila of Astoria, Brian Bechtolt of Connecticut, Kevin Ryan of Virginia and Mira Bechtolt of Phuket; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Anita Ellen Ryan, in 1974; two sisters; and a brother.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District Pool, 1140 Broadway, Seaside, OR 97138.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com