Erma Beatrice Bechtol

Erma Beatrice Bechtol, 89, of Fairfield, PA passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Paramount Senior Living in Fayetteville, PA. She was the beloved wife of the late Neil F. Bechtol for 67 joyous years. Born in Cumberland, MD on March 16, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Lenora May Bohrer (Moore) and Roy Linwood Davis. Erma is survived by her two daughters; Tracey Ann Gebhart (husband, David), of Fairfield, PA and Terri Annette Little (husband, Patrick), of Emmitsburg, MD, three grandchildren; David Neil Gebhart (wife, Rachel), Jessica Nicole Shank (husband, Justin), and Joshua Edward Little (wife, Ashley), and six great-grandchildren; Avery Ann Gebhart, Auden Jane Lee Gebhart, Madison Mae Shank, Bryson Leo Little, David Neil Ford Gebhart, and Annalise Kathryn Little. She was looking forward to welcoming another great grandchild in July. In addition to her loving husband, she was predeceased by her beloved grandson, Dustin Ford Gebhart, as well as her brothers, William (Buck) Davis and James Davis, and her sister, Sandra Crowder. 

 Additionally, surviving Erma are her sister-in-law, Emma Jean Davis of Front Royal, VA; her sister-in-law, Virginia Lee Wright of Cresaptown, MD; her brother-in-law, Charles Edward Bechtol of Fayetteville, NC; and her brother-in-law, Gary Wayne Bechtol, and his wife Jeannie, of Cross Junction, VA., along with several nieces and nephews.

 Erma was a 1953 graduate of Fort Hill High School in Cumberland MD. She was employed by Drs. Morningstar and Carroll for 35+ years. She was extremely proud of her time assisting with the medical needs of the community. She was a member of the Elias Evangelical Lutheran Church in Emmitsburg, where she and Neil played active roles until they were no longer able. She enjoyed reading, putting together puzzles, playing bingo and spending time with family. She and Neil attended a multitude of sporting and academic events watching their grandchildren over the years. 

 Erma had lived at Paramount Senior Assisted Living for the last few years. She leaves behind several friends and some staff that had become like a second family to her. The family would like to thank the employees who cared for her, particularly in the last few months. We appreciate the love and compassion you showed her. 

The family will receive family and friends at Stauffer’s Funeral Home (104 East Main Street in Thurmont, MD) on Tuesday, February 25 from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. Pastor Joe Herb will be officiating her service at 12:00 p.m. The interment will take place at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Erma's memory may be made to Elias Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 West North Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD. 21727 or Grane Hospice Care, 1200 Camp Hill Bypass, Suite 205, Camp Hill, PA. 17011.