Catherine Marie Bechtold

Catherine Marie Bechtold was born January 3, 1959 in Alton IL to Jack and Pat Buese. She passed away peacefully in her home on November 4th, 2023 in Alton, IL. She said "Wasn't I lucky to be born in my favorite city!" A quote from one of her favorite movies "Meet me in St. Louis." Cathy worked at Lewis and Clark Community College for 18 years. She started in the enrollment center and later became the Assistant to the Dean of Enrollment. Cathy said she worked with some of the best people she had ever met and will miss them all terribly. Her favorite things were hiking, gardening, bird watching, coffee, smoking, and reading. After her retirement from LCCC she would wake in the morning, make a cup of coffee, and sit on the porch to watch the sun rise and listen to the birds singing. Cathy often drove to the Alton Lock and Dam and down the River Road in the winter to watch the eagles. Cathy’s favorite trails were at Marquette State Park. If you want to hike them you go up Goat Cliff to Mc Adams Peak, then down the Ravine. She raised three children, Kellie Crider (Husband Josh), Michael Bechtold (Wife Elisha), and Jacob Bechtold (Wife Angelica). She got to meet all 4 of her grandchildren, James Crider, David Bechtold, Mia Bechtold, and Micah Bechtold. She is survived by her brother John Buese (Wife Debbie), their two children Jack Buese and Megan Strong (Husband Kyle), and her sister Polly Clabaugh (Husband Gregg), and their children Chuck Clabaugh (two daughters & one grandson), Rebecca Kinkaid (Husband Greg and their three daughters), and Alison Clabaugh. She was preceded in death by her parents John "Jack" Merlin Buese, and Patricia Mary Buese "McCarthy". She was always a very reserved and quiet person, a private memorial will be held for her immediate family. A wake will not be held at the funeral home so in lieu of flowers or cards please make a donation in her name to your favorite charity or to the ALSA of St. Louis. They helped Cathy through her years battling with ALS and are continuing to help many others. http://webstl.alsa.org/site/PageNavigator/STL_7_donate.html - This is a direct link for a donation to the ALSA - St. Louis Chapter. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Catherine Marie Bechtold

January 3, 1959 - November 4, 2023