Ralph Lee Bechdol

Ralph Lee Bechdol, 100, of Fountaintown, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2016 at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield. He was born November 5, 1915 in Onward, the son of Bertis and Ida (Weaver) Bechdol. Ralph is survived by his son, Dennis Bechdol of Fountaintown; grandchildren, Veneiza Schwanke and husband, Larry, Leigh Ann Bensley and husband, Tracy, and Christopher Bechdol and wife, Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Holly Benitez and husband, Anthony, Matthew Schwanke and wife, Kate, Loren Guy and husband, Adam, Taylor Bensley and Avery Bensley; and six great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Russell Bechdol; and his dear friend and companion, June Webb. Ralph graduated from Onward High School in 1934. He was employed at Stewart Warner, from 1946 until retiring in 1985, as an inspector. He was a lifelong farmer in Shelby County, buying his own farm in Moral Township in 1951. Ralph was a member of the Masonic Lodge and New Palestine Lions Club. He loved to fish. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, August 26, 2016 at the funeral home, with Rev. Bill Horner officiating. Interment will be at New Palestine Cemetery in New Palestine. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Association of Shelby County, P.O. Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.