MRS. MARGARET BECHTHOLD of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. John Bechthold, passed away on December 19, 2008 at the age of 96 years.

Margaret was born on February 28, 1912 in Omsk, Russia. At the age of one year, Margaret fled Russia with her mother because of the persecution there, immigrating to the United States to join her father on the US ship, ""The George Washington"", landing in New York City. Her father travelled from Vinita, Eastern Oklahoma to take them home with him by train, they then continued to their home in Fairview, Oklahoma, farming until 1928. In that same year they moved to a place called Gladys Ridge, near High River. In 1934 John Benchthold claimed Margaret's hand in marriage. Margaret's next journey was to John's farm north of Foremost and together they farmed until they started a service station business as well as a school bus franchise, and later a machine and car dealer agency. John and Margaret moved to Lethbridge in 1958 to retire and together enjoyed many a trip to Arizona. In 1967, they moved to Creston and resided there until John's passing in 1982. Margaret made her final journey, back to Lethbridge in the fall of 1982, where she has resided until her passing. She enjoyed handicrafts, reading, walking, playing cards, the marble game, curling and many other activities with friends and relatives.

Margaret is survived by her beloved grandchildren Dan Hollihan of Nanton, Rod (Sharon) Hollihan of Salmon Arm and Darran (Clara) Hollihan of Lethbridge; great-grandchildren Trevor (Ashley) Hollihan and Jenna and Jarod Hollihan; great-great-granddaughter Londyn; sisters Jessie Dell of Eckvill, AB and Anne Heninger of Calgary; brothers Henry Littau of BC, William Littau of BC; as well as special nieces Phyllis Mock (Dick) and their family and Joyce (Albert) Hart.

Besides her loving husband John, Margaret was predeceased by her daughter Maxine, sister Mary and brothers Jake, Abe, John and Edward Littau.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Friday, December 26, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPLE, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 27, 2008 at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 2406 - 11 Ave South, Lethbridge, with Pastor Kevin Powell officiating. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery, Family Plot.

Those who wish may donate to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 9Z9.