Josie M. Priest

Josie M. Priest, 87, of Elkhart, died Sunday afternoon, February 1, 2009, at Hubbard Hill Estates. She was born on February 27, 1921 in Elkhart, to James Robert and Edna (Stark) Lynn. She married Ernest Ray Bechtel on January 30, 1942 in Goshen.  He died June 18, 1975.  She later married C.S. Priest on September 24, 1983 in Goshen.  He died May 21, 1988. A homemaker, Mrs. Priest was a member of Sugar Grove Church where she had served as choir director and in other music ministries.  She sang with Evergreen Singers of Greencroft.  Along with her first husband, she was an avid camper. She is survived by a step-daughter, Marilyn (John) Wolber of Elkhart; step-son, Donald priest; seven step-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; eight step-great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Alice Miller of Elkhart,and Rachael Eger of Osceola; and 24 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both of her husbands; a son, Marvin Ray Bechtel; a brother, Franklin Lynn; and sisters, Ruth Harris, Gladys Lynn, Lina Eger, Bertha Lynn, Jane Eger, and Charlotte Jones. Friends may call 3 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, February 3, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home and one hour prior to the Wednesday service at the church. An 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2009, funeral service will be held at Sugar Grove Church, Goshen, with Pastor Cary Perdue officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Goshen.     Memorial contributions may be made to New Tribes Mission for Richard Eger in Anapolis, Brazil.