Kathy Marie “Ma B” Bechtol

Kathy Marie “Ma B” Bechtol, 76, a resident of Arcadia, FL since 2020 and a resident of North Fort Myers, FL since 1953, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024 in Arcadia.  She was born on March 25, 1948 in Sacramento, CA to Larry and Virginia Griffin, now deceased.

Kathy was of the Methodist faith.  She was very active in her community & had many friends, of all ages.  Kathy never met a stranger & everyone she met....she met them with a hug.  She was known to many as the nicest school nurse around.  Many considered her to be their second mom and/or grandma. She had an enormous love for animals, including fawns, owls, pigs, roosters, her pet raccoons, & her 8 cats.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Dennis Bechtol of North Fort Myers; loving son, David Bechtol (Shelley) of North Fort Myers; sister in law, Kay Gulmy of Fort Myers; two brothers in law, Doug Bechtol of Raleigh, NC, and Davis Bechtol (Harriet) of Summerville, SC; grandchildren, Dakota (fiance Summer Greenwell), Dolan (Ashley), and Denna (fiance Ben Martin); Great-grandaughter Augyst Marie, many nieces and nephews & their children.

Kathy was preceded in death by a son, Herbert W. Bechtol; a sister, Janet; as well as a brother in law, Donald.

A celebration of life will be held @ 11:00 AM Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 'The Venue at Mudge Ranch', 1323 Loblolly Bay Road SW, Labelle, FL 33935.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Katherine Marie "Ma B" Bechtol can be sent to: Peace River Wildlife Center-Education Center, Peace River Wildlife Center, 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda, Florida 33950 (A wildlife refuge in Punta Gorda, FL).

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.