Mary Louise (Lane) Behrends

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Mary Louise Behrends, 80, of Peoria, passed away quietly at 4:05 a.m. Sunday, June 21, 2009, at her home. She put up an extraordinary fight for life to make certain she could say goodbye to her family.

Mary was born October 13, 1928, in Harrisburg to Fred and Ethna Alexander Lane. She married Henry E. "Bud" Behrends on February 14, 1950, in Peoria.

Surviving are her husband of over 59 years, Henry "Bud" of Peoria; sons, Willard (Donna) Behrends of East Peoria and Dennis (Tina) Behrends of Washington; daughter, Becky (Rick) Wisner of East Peoria; grandchildren, Rachel (Jon) Omerod, Stephanie Behrends, Haley Wisner, Casey Behrends, Miles Wisner and Diana Behrends; brothers, Jack (Sharon) Lane, Bob (Chali) Lane; sisters, Helen (Herbert) Shaw, Sue (Robert) Coltrin and Martha (Raymond) Baptista, all of Harrisburg; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Betty (Claude) Ozment and Kathryn (Kenny) Swearingen.

Mary graduated from Harrisburg High in 1946 and came to Peoria looking for new opportunities.

She had many jobs, including working at Caterpillar Tractor Co. as a secretary, helping Henry run the Mac-Hy Market and several rental properties in Peoria, and being a wonderful cook and pie-maker. Mary was a two-time breast cancer survivor. Mary and Bud traveled extensively and spent a great deal of their winters in Florida. Mary gained the most pleasure from being a devoted wife and loving family member. She never passed up the opportunity to offer family and friends who showed up at her doorstep an invite to stay the night and a delicious hot meal. She will be missed by all who had the blessing to know her.

A funeral service for Mary will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Pastor John Plunkett will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

Memorial contributions in Mary's name may be made to Creve Coeur Christian Church or Susan G. Komen Breast Center in Peoria.

Mary's memorial Web site is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com, where condolences may also be sent to the family.