Beatrice Irene Lautzenheiser

Beatrice Irene Lautzenheiser, 95, of Van Wert, passed peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Vancrest of Van Wert, with her son at her side. She was born January 27, 1931, to Harvey and Esther (Baker) Thatcher. On March 11, 1951, she was joined in holy matrimony with Herbert "Ray" Lautzenheiser, a bond unbroken for 65 years, until his passing in 2016.

Beatrice got the nickname, Becky, at a young age because of the character, Becky Thatcher, from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, which matched her maiden name. She attended the former Mt. Pleasant Church in rural Van Wert. Becky enjoyed traveling the country with her husband, Ray, and family. She cherished time and activities spent with family members, especially her husband, son, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Becky spent her career as a secretary, first for the Hoaglin-Jackson School and later with Lincolnview Local Schools.

She is survived by her son, Alan (Belinda Miller) Lautzenheiser of Van Wert; a brother, Phil (Bonnie) McClure of Van Wert; a sister, Donna Johns of Miamisburg, Ohio; a brother in law, Marlin (Rose) Lautzenheiser of Cridersville; 2 sisters in law, Judy Lautzenheiser of Van Wert and Sharon Lautzenheiser of Van Wert; her grandchildren, Scott (Nadine) Lautzenheiser of Washington, Illinois and Sean (Tracie) Lautzenheiser of Woodburn, Indiana; and great grandchildren, Levi and Liam Lautzenheiser of Woodburn.

In addition to her parents and husband, Becky was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Kenneth, Carl and Harvey Thatcher; and a sister, Betty Foust.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Pastor Steve Haddix, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Van Wert.

Visitation will be from 12:00-1:30 PM on Saturday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the donors choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.