Alice R. Bachtel

Alice Bachtel, 87, formerly of Massillon, passed away peacefully and pain free after a lengthy illness. Born December 21, 1923 in Massillon to the late Edward and Laura (Wepler) Drouhard, Alice was a 1941 graduate of Mount Marie Academy, now Canton Central Catholic High School. On November 27, 1947 Alice married the late Earl C. Bachtel. Earl, a talented carpenter, Alice, their children, family and friends together literally built the house which became the family's home until 2006. They enjoyed over 56 loving married years together until Earl's death in July, 2004. In 2006, to be close to her daughter Marie and her family, Alice moved to Whetstone Gardens Assisted Living in Columbus, then in January, 2011 moved to Columbus Alzheimer Care Center. Her family will always appreciate the wonderful care provided by the compassionate, concerned, professional staff at these locations and Odyssey Hospice of Columbus. Alice and Earl's life revolved around their family and Massillon's St. Joseph Catholic Church. Alice served the Church as a past President of the Legion of Mary, as Secretary, Vice-President and President of the Christian Mothers Organization, formed "Crafty Ladies" a women's group who made/sold their craft projects to benefit the Church, and was a charter and active member of the Columbian Ladies Guild Earl donated months of time, hard work and materials on renovations/additions to St. Joseph's church, rectory and cemetery; was a past president of the Holy Name Society; sang in the men's choir, volunteered as an Ancient Acolyte and was a member of the Knights of Columbus #554. Alice and Earl served in many ministries together. They founded the St. Joseph Parish Christian Family Movement (CFM), were active in the Curculio movement, Marriage Encounter and Christ Renews his Parish retreats, served as Eucharistic Ministers and Welcome greeters at Mass, worked weekly at St Joe's soup kitchen, distributed food, clothing and Holy Communion to shut-in Parishioners and worked St Joe's Bingo for years. In 1998, Earl was named St Joseph Parish's Schrader Award winner in recognition for the years of outstanding service that he and Alice contributed to the Parish Community. In addition to her parents and her husband, Alice was preceded in death by her sisters and brother (all of Massillon) Mrs. Leo H. (Ruth Drouhard) Helline, Mrs. Andrew (Geraldine Drouhard) Gretchko, Mrs. Paul W. (Grace Drouhard) Krantz, Mrs. James (Florence Drouhard) Seifert and Mr. Charles Drouhard. She is survived by her brother Mr. Vincent Drouhard (Lois) and her children and their spouses, David and Donna Bachtel of Plainfield, IL.; Larry and Kathy Bachtel of Mayfield Hts., Ohio; and Marie and Pat Sergio of Columbus, Ohio; 8 grandchildren Chris, Michelle, Jenny, Mary Beth, Matthew, Maureen, Laura and Lisa; and 13 great-grandchildren Tom, Claire, Erick, Alexandria, Jace, Tate, Dax, Liam, Finnegan, Maggie, Kaitlyn, Tyler and Zachary. Alice inspired everyone she met. She will be remembered for her unconditional love, kindness, resolve, resourcefulness, compassion, servant leadership and dedication to her family. For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Alice's life, memorials to the Alzheimer's Association, St. Mary's Catholic Church or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM, Monday, November 7th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Her nephew, Fr. Edward Gretchko, Pastor of St. Mary's Church in Massillon, will officiate. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 4pm to 8pm Sunday, November 5th at the Paquelet Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Road NE, Massillon.