Bristol – Ina Mae Behrens, 84, passed away at Hospice Alliance – Hospice House on March 1, 2013. She was born in Waukegan, IL, on October 10, 1928, daughter of the late Royal Crawford and Amanda Elizabeth (nee: Potter) Heydecker.
Ina worked for Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) in Waukegan. In 1979, she moved to Gamaliel, AR, where she spent many wonderful years in retirement. Ina was president of the Gamaliel Girls, a women’s club, for 25 years. She lived a long and beautiful life. Ina loved people and people loved Ina.
Ina leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Lyman (Carol) Behrens, of Waukegan, IL, William (Pattie) Behrens of Bristol, WI, Roy (Pam) Behrens of Mountain Home, AR, Trudy (Waylon) Adams of Bristol, WI; sister, Amy Carlson of California, brothers-in-law, William Behrens, Alfred Britz; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Schmitt, Barbara Bentley; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren with one on the way; 6 great-great-grandchildren with two on the way; other close relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention. In addition to her parents, Ina is preceded in death by her husband, George Gage Behrens, and sister-in-law, Gretchen Cummins.
A private memorial service will be celebrated by Ina’s family. The family has suggested memorials to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI, 53158.
Bev and Gary Etolen says
We are sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Roy & Pam Behrens says
Our mom was such a lovely woman. We think about all the times we spent together and all the amazing meals mom cooked. She was such a pleasure to have around. We have learned so much from her and will remember her always.
Joni Florida says
My sincerest sympathy goes out to the friends and family of Ina. It is such a difficult thing to deal with. As time goes by, you will begin to realize that as you think of her smiles, her love of his family, her laughter, the pain will have diminished a bit and you’ll find yourself smiling again. I didn’t know her personally but, having lost someone dear to me, I can empathize with the pain you have and are experiencing. What comfort such scriptures as John 5:28,29 brought me! You will read there about the promise Jesus gave of resurrecting our loved ones back to life. When he resurrected His friend Lazarus back to life ( John 11:38-44 ) He showed his ability and desire to fulfill that promise. Can you just imagine the joy Lazarus’ sisters felt when they held him in their arms once again? This joy we too will feel in the very near future. Until that day comes, we have the promise that God will draw close to those whose hearts have been broken ( Psalms 34:18 ) I truly hope these few scriptures have helped lessen the pain you feel as they had mine.
Craig & Karen Grothaus says
Ina was a much loved and enjoyed member of our local Square Dance Clubs, the “Twirling Funtimers” and the “Sociables”. We missed her when she could no longer dance and we continue to miss her but will not forget her love and spirit. Our prayers and sympathies to her family.
Kim & Mark Benedict Sr says
Grandma Ina,
May you now rest in Piece and remember how much you are loved and that you will be deeply missed..
Tina & Dennis Moore says
Grandma, you were the best grandma, your love and hugs would be so warm and welcoming. You taught me lots and gave me much advice. when you worked full time you always had time for me. when you sold Avon you let me help. when you cooked you taught me too. I loved being with you and grandpa in waukegan. when you moved to arkansas I was devestated. Then as an adult I moved next door to you and was that ever the best times with you. sadly your home burnt down and life had to start over for you, but the ladies of Gamaliel arkansas had a community house warming party for you and they made sure you had everything you needed to move into your beautiful new home, and you let me unpack it all and put it away and what fun we had doing that. I always tried my best to help you with your home and anything else. no matter what came up you were always there when i needed you. I moved away and just could not stand not being near you, so my husband let us move back. by then my health had failed and i became disabled and you would say “I may have cancer, but I seem to be healthier than you are” i only wish i was stronger the last few years, she needed me and so many times I could not get to her. I only wish I could have just stayed with you and took care of you. Right before you left to go up to wisconsin you told me to remember something, you said “when I die I want you to know that I had the best life, I did everything I wanted to do. I also had a great time and enjoyed every bit of it.” Now that she has passed I keep hearing her tell me that, I know she fulfilled her life with fun and love. She was always on the go from her GG club, to swimming, to square dancing, and more, she loved everything she did and accomplished. Thank you for being my grandma and the best grandma to me. I will miss you so, but I know you are back with grandpa and Lady, and with you parents and all the other relatives and friends in your life, I know you are even happier now, being back with the ones you missed. No more pain, no more doctors, no more worry. Until we meet again, I love you grandma and you will never be forgotten.
Love for you forever, your very first granddaughter. I am so proud to have had that opportunity. Thank you for loving me. Tina
Jim & Judi Conte says
Our sympathy goes out to all of Ina’s family. Everyone in her immediate family was so good to her and she was so blessed to have each and everyone of you in her lives. May she rest in Internal peace.