JoAnn "Joey" Bechtel

JoAnn “Joey” Bechtel 11/20/1950-02/28/2022 JoAnn (Joey) Bechtel passed away at her home February 28, 2022, after a long battle with breast cancer. Joey was born in La Grande, Oregon Nov. 20th, 1950 to Clarence Bechtel and June (Hug) Bechtel. She grew up in La Grande and graduated from La Grande High School in 1969 and later achieved her associate degree from BMCC. She settled in Pendleton, OR and retired from DHS, Community Developmental Disabilities Program for Umatilla County. Joey had three children Sybil Tremper, Mark George, and Josh Swegle. Joey’s pride and joy were her grandchildren Andrew, Brayden, Caleb, Dawson, Owen, Gavin, and granddaughter Olivia. Joey married John Straughan in 2009. In marriage, Joey gained two children Bryn Stamets and Nick Straughan and more grandchildren Michael, Kenzie, and Mady. Joey was known for her love of gardening. She was a member of Pendleton’s Dirt Dabblers club and took pride in their work throughout Pendleton’s city gardens. She also loved her animals, nature walks, garden tours, bird watching, antiques, estate sales, farmers markets, her grandchildren’s sporting events, and family trips. Joey’s beautiful free spirit will be missed by all who knew her. Joey was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and June Bechtel of La Grande, Oregon. Joey is survived by brother Douglas Bechtel of Cornelius, OR, niece Terresa Bechtel of Oregon City, OR, Sybil and Rob Tremper and their children Andrew, Brayden, Caleb, and Dawson of Pendleton, OR, Mark and Jaymi George and their children Owen and Olivia of La Grande, OR, Josh Swegle of Pendleton and Gavin Swegle of Ninilchik, AK, husband John Straughan of Pendleton, OR, and her dog Murphy. Graveside services will be held in June at the Elgin cemetery. Details to be posted closer to the date of service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joey’s honor to the Burns Mortuary in care of the Dirt Dabblers Garden Club.