Elizabeth Gentholts

Elizabeth Becky Gentholts passed away Nov. 2, 2009 in the Memory Care Cottage at Highgate Senior Living in Bozeman, Mt., with her daughter Libby by her side. She was finally released from the Alzheimers disease that had restrained her for many years. Born on June 2, 1919 to Raymond and Pearl Bechtol in Cleveland, Ohio, Becky's early years were spent growing up there, with many trips to the family farm in nearby Kirtland. She grew into an active athletic young girl with a wide circle of friends, both traits she would retain until the end of her life. It was at Shaker Heights high school where she first met her future husband, Norris Gentholts. Becky attended Wells College in New York on an athletic (field hockey) scholarship and continued dating Norris, who was studying at Amherst College. With the advent of WWII, Becky soon married Norris, and started her brief career as a Navy wife. Becky and Norris returned to the Cleveland area with a career move that took them to Cincinnati, Ohio. In all the towns and cities she lived, Becky was deeply committed to helping her community. She served as PTA president at her children's school, helped hospital patients as a Pink Lady, delivered food to the elderly through Meals-on-Wheels, and participated on numerous church committees often assuming leadership positions. Her easy, outgoing personality was matched by her passion for sports. She loved the Cleveland Indians, having attended games with her father growing up. She loved fishing at the family's Sugar Island, MI cottage. She became a realtor in Hudson, Ohio. Norris and Becky eventually retired to Homosassa, Fl. where she remained active with weekly golf bowling leagues. Her Super Bowl parties became legendary in the Sugar Mill Woods community and as always, Becky's charm and love of entertaining gathered a large circle of friends. Becky was preceded in death by her eldest daughter Barbara, and granddaughter Emily Gentholts. Becky is survived by her husband of 67 years, Norris, daughter Libby Gentholts- Purdy, son David Gentholts, sister Barbara Garrison, sister-in-law Jane Mc Carter and grandchildren Winifred Gentholts, and Grant and MacKenzie Purdy. A small family and friends gathering will be held to remember and cherish Becky's life. Memorials may be made to Bozeman Deaconess Hospice, 931 Highland Blvd, Ste. 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715, your local Alhzheimer's organization or a non-profit of your choice.