FRANCES JANE BECHTOLD

Frances Jane Bechtold passed away in Mesa, Arizona, on February 27, 2025. Jane, as she was known to family and friends, was born in Lubbock, Texas, on August 11, 1944, to Carl W. Bechtold and Virginia Lee Simmons Bechtold.

Born in 1944, she grew up in Lakewood, Colorado, and graduated from Lakewood High School. Later she graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with a bachelor’s degree in art education, and went on to earn her master’s degree in fine arts from North Texas State University in Denton, Texas.

Jane appreciated good art and classical music. She taught art in Louisiana and Texas at both the public school and university levels, including serving on the Governor’s Program for Gifted Children in Louisiana.

Jane’s other love was for animals, wildlife, and the beauty of nature. She worked for many years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service introducing children and adults alike to nature and the history of the people and the land, along with providing for the protection of endangered species and important habitats. While working at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, she led the design team for the new visitor center, and designed the display cases for the museum. She made strong, lasting friendships during her working years, and was respected for her knowledge and her commitment to public service.

About 2004 Jane moved to Arizona for her health, settling on the mountain between Globe and Winkelman, never giving up her passion for nature. She inspired us to look, with a curious eye, at the world around us, with wonder and awe. She became active in social activities in Globe, enjoying the book club, volunteering at the Center for the Arts, selling fresh limeade at the Farmers Market, assisting with many Humane Society activities, and appreciating the meals and friends at the Globe Active Adult Center. She was a generous friend to many and is held close in our hearts and minds.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her siblings, Carl W. (Bill) Bechtold, Jr. (Jean), Nancy Lee Vardell (Woody), Mary Alice Stahley (Charlie), and John Ad Bechtold (Mary), as well as many nieces and nephews. Jane will be remembered as the keeper of our family history and for her ability to keep us spellbound with storytelling; for her adventurous, indomitable spirit; her beloved dogs who were almost always by her side; and for her many contributions to each of our lives.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jane’s honor to the High Desert Humane Society, Inc., 150 W. Mesquite St., Globe, AZ, 85501; or The Gideons International, c/o Hermitage Camp, P.O. Box 8476, Hermitage, TN 37076-8476.