Grace Bernice Becht (nee Bleisch), 100, passed away peacefully in Viera, Florida, on July 19, 2025, with the same quiet dignity and tenacity with which she lived her life.

She was born in Highland, Illinois, during the winter of 1925, the youngest of three siblings. She attended Blackburn College and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a five-year B.S. in Nursing.
In 1946, she traveled alone by train to Denver, Colorado, for a pediatric nursing position at Porter Children’s Hospital. Several years later she moved to Merced, California, for another nursing opportunity. There she met and married Army Air Corp Officer John Becht, a career Air Force Officer. Together they had four children (Lynnette, Sheridan, Nina and Phillip), and eventually retired to Orlando, Florida. She returned to nursing as an RN at Florida Hospital, a vocation that she loved.

She was devoted to her 9 grandchildren, providing guidance and care throughout their growing up years. Her impact on their lives can be seen in her 11 great grandchildren.

She read widely (non-fiction) and could discuss almost any topic with her unassuming intellect. Her appreciation of music and voice expanded throughout her life, and she enjoyed years of singing in the church choir. She spent many hours dedicated to humble charity within the community.

Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 10:00 am at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.