Mildred Sebastian Bechtold

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Mildred Sebastian Bechtold who passed away March 20, 2023, at her home with her two children by her side. She was 88 years old. Mildred (Mickie) was a devoted wife, mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Mickie touched the lives of so many family and friends.

Mickie was born June 19, 1935 to the late Shelby and Mima (May) Sebastian in Middletown, Ohio. She was the middle child, number seven of fourteen children. Many hands helped to raise her, in turn she helped with her younger siblings. The Sebastian family shares a strong bond of love and good-humored teasing. Mickie enjoyed a good belly laugh with her brothers and sisters. After graduating from Clarksburg High School in 1954 she moved to Indianapolis to work for Western Electric along with a few of her sisters. Soon after she would meet her husband Edward J. Bechtold on a blind date. They were married in 1957. In 1966 they moved to Carmel, IN with their two children Barbara and Steven.

Mickie will be remembered by her family as loving them beyond measure. At any time she was just a phone call away and if needed she would be there. She had a quiet gentle, and calming spirit, her husband would often refer to her as having the “patience of Job.” She wanted to always be available for her children, she began working for the Carmel Clay School System so she would be home with them on all holidays and summer vacations. After she retired a few years ago, she would often lunch with her fellow retired Carmel school ladies.

In retirement she would have more time to visit Barb, husband Tim and her three treasured grandchildren. Mickie and Ed enjoyed traveling to visit Barb and family as career took them to various locations. It allowed them to see different parts of the country and be there to help and support them. These treasured feelings grew even more with the birth of her four great-grandchildren. Grammy loved to get out and shop for her grands. They all looked forward to the “box” of surprises Grammy would send for any special day, from Birthday’s to Valentine’s day to Easter this box was always packed with some of the most thoughtful gifts and candy. These boxes arrival would be the kids favorites. Where she found these treasured items we’ll never know. Moreover, she embodied love, created lifelong memories and laughter her family will miss more than imagined.

Mickie is survived by her daughter Barbara Genovese, son-in-law Timothy Genovese, her grandchildren Brittney Tanaka, (husband Paul), Matthew Genovese (wife Kylee) of Atlanta, GA. Jordan Genovese (wife Amaris) of Nashville, TN. Great-grandchildren Monroe, Sebastian and Noelle Tanaka. Collins Genovese. Her son Steven Bechtold. Brothers and sisters Dan Sebastian (wife, Dorothy), Nola Peters (late husband, John), Mary Allen (late husband, Buddy), Lina Jolliffe, Adrian Sebastian (late wife, Pat), Sandra Adams (late husband, Don), and Sylvia England (husband, Curt).

Mickie was preceded in death by her loving husband Edward. Her siblings, Ed Sebastian (wife Dot), Cloe Swinford (husband, Jim), Ervine Sebastian (wife, Helen), Charlie Sebastian (wife, Jean), Donnie Sebastian and Bessie Ploeger. Her in-laws Edward and Helen (Madden) Bechtold.

Celebration of life memorial will be held Friday April 28th from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite) 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250. Light snacks and refreshments will be served as we gather to reconnect, share stories and memories of Mickie. She worshiped at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church for 50 plus years. She supported many outreach programs the church sponsored, one she felt strongly about was Merciful Help Center. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to Merciful Help in her name. Unfortunately, at this time, they do not offer a way to donate online. You can make checks payable to; Merciful Help Center 1045 West 146th St., Suite A Carmel, IN 46032.

Her love will live on in our hearts and memories until we meet again in Jesus Christ.