Marianne Bechtol

Marianne Rice Bechtol passed away on January 1, 2023 at home surrounded by her family. She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in July and battled it courageously to the end. Marianne was born on June 19, 1951 to Ted and Mary Rice and grew up with her sister Marcia on the family wheat farm. Marianne graduated from Coulee City High School and Washington State University. Go Cougs! She majored in elementary education and enjoyed a lifetime career as an educator. In 1973, Marianne married Roger Bechtol. They moved to Clarkston, Washington where Roger began his pharmacy career and Marianne taught kindergarten. They later located to Kennewick where Geoff and Amy were born. Marianne was an elementary school teacher and reading specialist for more than 30 years. Marianne retired from teaching and moved to Coulee City in 2010 to be near her mother. The two of them kept busy traveling and were active and engaged in the community and school. Those were happy years for both of them. Marianne revived and became the heart and soul of the Coulee City Senior Center. She not only prepared excellent nutritional meals; she ensured they were delivered to the seniors who could not travel. Marianne was presented the 2017 Citizen of the Year Award. She was given this honor for her compassion and caring for the seniors and many others of the Coulee City community. Marianne loved Coulee City where her roots run deep. She loved sports and was an avid ACH Athletic booster. The State B Basketball Tournament in Spokane was an annual event. Marianne is survived by her son Geoff Bechtol and daughter Amy Bechtol; her grandchildren Elijah and Camryn Ebanez, Evan and Ted Bechtol, and Chloe Hawkins; her sister Marcia Rice Henkle (Mel) and nephew Brett Henkle (Jeannie) along with a community full of many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Ted and Mary Rice. “The life we led and the legacy we leave remains locked in the hearts of the friends and family we leave behind”. A service celebrating Marianne’s life will be held Monday, January 9 at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Coulee City. Interment will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Coulee City Senior Center. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata, WA.

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Marianne Bechtol

June 19, 1951 - January 1, 2023