Martha Elizabeth "Betty" Behm
August 19, 1919 ~ May 20, 2016
Martha Elizabeth "Betty" Behm, a life-long Perry/Madison resident, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, businesswoman, encourager and friend to many died Friday, May 20, 2016.
She was born August 19, 1919, in Perry, to Ralph Ewart and Martha Anna (nee Averill) Shepard. Betty grew up on the family farm on Shepard Road, graduated from Perry High School and Central School of Practical Nursing in Cleveland. She married Wilford N. Behm on December 24, 1941 at her family home in Perry.
She was a partner with her husband in the family owned Behm Funeral Home founded in 1906 by Wilford's parents, Walter C. and Alta E. Behm. Upon Wilford's death at age 40 in 1961, Betty devoted her time to managing the Behm Funeral Home with the help of Thomas Stanton, a licensed Embalmer/Funeral Director while raising her 5 children, rarely missing an event important to the children. In later years, Betty continued to be a mentor to her children and others in the business.
She is remembered as being at the funeral home, always with a smile and encouraging word. Betty brought out the best in people and reached out to others with uplifting notes, deliveries of Melrose apples, homemade relish and cookies for over 60 years. She especially enjoyed decorating her front door for each season for the enjoyment of the community.
Betty received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Perry High School in 2010. She was a founding and charter member and served on the board of the Madison Chamber of Commerce. She was so proud when the Madison/Perry Area Chamber of Commerce awarded the Behm Family Funeral Home Business of the Year in 1996.
Betty was a 25 year member and former president of the Madison Public Library Board's present library building and was instrumental in starting the Friends of the Library and the current facility. She was a member of Park United Methodist Church, the Western Reserve Fine Arts, Progress Club, Madison, Perry and Jefferson Historical Societies. She enjoyed people, traveling, Mr. Swaby's woodworking, reading, bowling, stamp collecting and being positive. Most of all Gram Behm enjoyed staying in touch with her family and friends.
She is survived by many wonderful friends and her children, Valerie A. Behm of Madison, Marcine (Ray) Petrea of Euclid, Michael (Eileen) Behm of Geneva, Timothy (Jeanette) Behm of Madison and Wilford "Ford" (Deborah) Behm II of Geneva; 12 grandchildren, TJ (Dr. Melissa), Kate (Lee), Clinton, Karen (Sarah), Nick, Trevor (Julie), Courtney, Chester, Edward, Frank (Sue), Brenda (Willie) and Deborah (J.R.); 18 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Debbie, Connie, Linda, David, John, Tom and Jeffery.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilford; parents; sister, Marjorie Lu Brockway; brothers, John L. Shepard II and Daniel Ralph Shepard; sister-in-law, Rita Shepard, great-grandchildren Thomas Allen Behm and Avery Elizabeth Jenkins.
Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2016 at The Behm Family Funeral Homes, 26 River Street, Madison, Ohio 44057.
Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. on Monday, May 23rd. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Madison.
Contributions would be appreciated to "FRIENDS OF MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY," 6111 Middle Ridge Road, Madison, OH 44057. In memo line please include "Gram's Children Fund." The Library Children's Fund was initiated by Betty's grandchildren on her 90th birthday to celebrate her love of children and lifelong love of reading.
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Aunt Betty will be greatly missed, she always brought a smile to the room and a happiness to everyone!!
Betty Behm was an amazing member of the Greatest Generation. A strong, wonderful, matriarch & business woman. She will certainly be remembered by many.
What a great loss for the community. Mrs Behm was the kindest, compassionate person that helped my family through many difficult times. RIP and may your family continue your dedication to the people of Madison with your dignity and grace!
Deepest sympathy for the family. Mrs. Behm will be so missed by all. I remember her kind words to me with each passing of my family.
Mrs. Behm was a wonderful lady. Prayers to the Behm Family.
So very sorry to hear of her passing. Betty and my mother, Wilma (Billy) Hall Stacy, had been friends since high school in Perry. She was a wonderful lady.
Miss you gram
Mrs Behm was a wonderful woman, we will all miss her. I will keep her family in my prayers.
I'm so sorry for your loss.Your family has brought comfort to many people in our community, now my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at your time of need. May you find peace during this time.
Am so sorry to hear this, Tim, Jette and Ford. She almost outlived us. What a grand lady. May God bless you all at this sad time.
To The Entire Behm Family —- My condolences to you. May the Peace of Christ be with each and every one of you during this time.
“Gram” Behm: truly an amazing woman. If you ever met “Gram”, you would never forget that moment! I still remember my moment! She was that type of person. She brought laughter, joy, and put a smile on everybody's face! I believe some people are put on earth for a reason, and she wholeheartedly fulfilled God's mission for her!
What a wonderful lady. Always greeted me with welcoming warm. Very sorry for your great loss.
<3
i admired all the good things she did for our community. Her legacy lives on!
So sorry to Betty's family. She was a wonderful lady.
Beautiful lady. Many fond memories of her . Thinking of you all at this time.
So sorry for the loss to your family. She was a wonderful, kind and caring woman. I know you will miss her.
My condolences to your family . Sending prayers .
Will greatly miss her warm smile and soft words of encouragement. Prayers to the Behm family.
Betty was truly a grand lady and wonderful woman. She will be greatly missed.
My prayers and love to all the Behms on the loss of this wonderful lady. God bless.
Sorry to hear of the of your mother. She was a caring, beautiful woman. May you all be comforted by the beautiful memories you have made with her. She will surely be missed by all who knew her.
We are sending our prayers to the Behm family for the loss of this lovely and special lady.
Our deepest condolences for the Behm Family. Love and prayers from TN.
So sorry to read on facebook of your Mother's loss. Another ” Madison” mainstay has changed her residence to heaven! A wonderful lady with always a warm word and a smile. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. In sympathy, Faith (Patrick) Gabele-Blasdel.
So very sorry for your loss. May she rest in eternal peace.
My sincere sympathy to the Behm Family on losing such a wonderful and caring lady!!! She was one of life's finest.. May she rest in peace!!!
A wonderful woman. She was always so helpful when my parents passed.
I played organ for 10 years at the funeral home, starting in 1957, and what a wonderful example Betty set with her strength and composure during a difficult time in their lives. She was a true lady and a wonderful example for all of us. I have so many great memories of times shared during the years and will always be grateful that our friendship continued on. My love goes out to all of the family and I know that today she is surely in Paradise!.
We are so sorry for your loss. Madison Village just won't be the same without her. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
What a grand, great woman, Betty Behm! We were privileged to know her.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful legacy she left.
Mrs. Behm was present with my family when my sister, Maria Stillman, had passed away. We had spent many days on the road driving back to Ohio because her death was a sudden. Mrs. Behm spent alot of time with my Mom, Marian, while she selected announcements for the funeral and with me while I wrote Maria's obit. Behm's also helped with Maria's cremation. Prayers and condolences to her family and friends. A very nice and caring lady.
Ford, Debbie & family, My deepest sympathies in your time of loss. Praise God for the many blessings and years you had with Betty.
Our prayers are with you as you grieve. She was a wonderful woman. She will be missed
Deepest condolences to the family. She will be greatly missed.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Behm family on the passing of Betty. Her warm smile and kind words will be missed. She was truly a special lady.
So sorry for the Behm family for the loss of their mother. She will be missed by many in Madison, including my mom Irene Hummel and sister Nora..She and Valerie were so kind to them with cards and gifts..Thank you Mrs. Behm. we are sadden
She always had a smile and the warmth of her presence lightened even the heaviest of hearts. She was and always will be angel amongst us. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
My condolences to the family.
I know we'll meet again at heavens doors. Your smile always made my day. You said I was your start but in all reality you were mine. To Behm family, I love you all.. prayers be with you
So sorry for your loss, your family is in our prayers. Jody and Mitch Beller
It was honor to know Mrs. Behm and call her friend , What a classy lady whom I always considered to be the “Queen of Madison Village”.One of the truly great people of our time. Thanks Betty for all you have done for all of us and the people of Madison. You will be missed but always remembered. With love and respect Always
Madison lost its most precious asset today. No matter what life threw at her she met it head on. She was always ready with a smile, a hug, and something uplifting. And I don't think she ever forgot anyone she met. She leaves a wonderful legacy to her family and to Madison. Condolences seem inadequate. She will certainly be missed.
Trevor and Julie, so sorry for your loss. Your grandmother sounds like she was a wonderful woman and role model for everyone who knew her. I'm sure you must have many loving memories of her.god bless.
To my Ohio familiy…so sorry for your loss. I am a granddaughter of Burton K. Behm and visited Ohio in 1960 with my grandfather and cousin Shirley Crocker Marvosh. I remember the funeral home from my visit there. I remember meeting Michael on that visit as well. God Bless you all.
Betty was a gem! Sending peace to the family.
Ms. Behm has been a staple and driving force in the local community for so long that a huge void will be felt for many years to come. Many people have been truly blessed to have known her. She will be missed by the community, her friends and family.
My deepest condolences go to the entire Behm family.
What a wonderful wonderful woman! Rest in peace Betty! Say hi to everyone that you've helped our family with!
We extend our deepest sympathy to this wonderful family with your great loss of Betty. She was such a wonderful lady and we know she will be greatly missed by all.
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Behm's passing. She was a great lady. I remember meeting her one time when my grandmother had died. I was so down and she came over to me and talked. She was able to bring a smile to my face and she brought me a little peace. She will be surely missed my many, and loved by all. My prayers and love are going out to the BEHM family.
Our condolences to the family of one of he most caring and thoughtful First Ladies of Madison.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. She always showed her kindness and caring to our family.With much respect, The Boggs Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will I always will remember your Mom's smile and kind words.
So sad to learn of the passing of this lovely, gracious lady. My condolences to the family. She was loved and will be missed dearly by all those whose lives she touched.
So, so sorry, what a life
Husband Paul & I were blessed to know Betty when we took our first teaching jobs in Madison in 1962. Paul was the basketball coach at the high school and Betty and I traveled to many away games to see Tim play. She was a constant mentor to both of us as she encouraged us in any endeavor in which we were interested. I can see her popping in my front door with a sprig of bittersweet and a big smile on her face. Like everyone who knew her, I feel blessed to have had her in my life. Paul and I send our prayers and sympathy to her family.
I am so sad to read this news! What a loss!! I have such fond memories of Betty – so warm hearted, so empathetic, & so sweetly funny & engaging! I can only imagine the countless numbers of grieving people she comforted over her career. Betty was one in a million! My deepest sympathy to her family.
Madison's leading lady will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Peace 'Gram Behm'…
So glad our lives past by each other while you where here Martha ! Your a beautiful lady with a beautiful smile ! Thank you for all the enjoyable visit you made to our stand getting your ingredients for your pickles and relish recipe. Which you where so kind to share ! Loved the visit getting to talk to you ! You will be so missed here ! I send prayers for all for our broken heart of you parting from us here ! Someday we will meet again !
So sorry to here of the loss of such a wonderful woman. I real appreciated all of Betty's kind words in the tough times.
Mrs. Behm left a huge impression on my heart and, professionally, as a funeral director. I will always cherish her words of wisdom, warm spirit, generous nature and wit! I love you, Mrs. 'B' and I am grateful to have known you!!!
I am so sorry to hear of Betty's passing. She certainly was the Grande Dame of Madison. Such a kind and gracious woman. Love and prayers for the BEHM family.
I am so sorry to hear of Martha's passing, She was a true inspiration to so many and a blessing for anyone who new her. Such a kind sweet soul. My condolences to the Behm family, our thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the coming days.
A wonderful kind lady. Rest in His arms……
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Behm family. We are related, but going back a few times. I had the opportunity to meet Betty in 1964; in 1966 her family came out to Great Falls (I think the date is about right); then again in 2002 at the Behm reunion. My mother was Alice Elizabeth “Betty” Behm; daughter of Burton Behm. Again, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Prayers will be going out to Betty's family. John 5:28,29 says…'Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which ALL those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out'. Its a wonderful hope for all of us. Please go to JW.org to learn more of this wonderful hope.
Mrs. Behm was a wonderful woman and had a wonderful personality she will be sadly missed in this community. so sorry for your loss. She was around for all of my family and will be deeply missed
To the Behm family Betty was a very special lady, she will forever be in my heart and thoughts. She was so kind and full of love for everyone. I will treasure my memories and good times with her forever.
Shirley Foucher
I can't tell you how this breaks my heart. I always looked forward to seeing Betty and talking to her. Always a hug and kind words. One special lady!! Hugs amd prayers to all of you.
Ford and family, We are sorry to hear of your mom's death. May you find peace in your memories of her. Rob and Terry Sheldon
Our family loved her. We will miss her thoughtful notes and cards. We should all strive to be as kind as Betty Behm. Madison has lost a matriarch.
Our sincere condolences go out to you and yours during this time. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Betty's passing. We both have memories of her thoughtfulness and gracious manner.
Mrs. Betty Behm was one of the kindest people I've ever known. I knew her on a personal level as well as a professional. The Madison community has lost a truly “great lady”. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved her.
Our condolences to the entire Behm Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Heartfelt sympathy to your family, Debbie and and Ford!!
I will miss you grandma Behm. I enjoyed working with your family and sitting with you holding your hand during funeral services.
So sorry to hear the loss of such a wonderful lady.. Many years ago when I did her hair, I enjoyed our talks and her wonderful words of encouragement ..Prayers for the family..
Mrs Behm was a remarkable woman with a loving joyful spirit surrounded by a huge heart. I have every card and note that she gave me. I always asked her “how are you?”…. and her reply always was.. I'm on a Merry Go Round, going up! And she truly did. RIP under God's eternal watch.
Betty was my father's (Dale Stoneman) cousin. I cherish memories of gatherings with Betty's wonderful sense of humor and kindness. Especially gatherings with Betty at the Unionville Tavern. Heartfelt condolences to everyone in the Behm family.
My sincerest sympathies…to all members of the Behm family. I was so sorry to learn of Betty's passing. As I reflect, she was always warm, kind, and loving to everyone!! Her front porch was always a masterpiece even including a student council election sign!! She would brighten the faces of everyone she encountered. Her legacy is amazing…such a wonderful family. Please know that I am thinking about all of you!! She was a very special part of my life!!!
She was an amazing women and was so kind to everyone. A smile and often a hug from her made you feel loved during the happy and sad times that life brings. With fond memories and prayers for the family, she will be missed. A Godly women is greater than gold.
We will miss you so much Bam.. as our family fondly referred to Gram… Thank you for showing us what it means to show kindness and generosity to others. We will always remember our special times; eating peanut butter and “Bam's jam” sandwiches in the playhouse, eating cookies on the front porch swinging on the swing and watching the cars go by and many fun visits over the years sharing your special treat of Jelly “Behms” as Bam would say: “2 in each hand and 1 in your mouth!” Thank you for all the wonderful memories we have made. We are so blessed to call you our great-grandmother. Big hugs… We love you!
So sorry to hear this sad news. I remember her working with my mother on many projects.
Our prayers for Valerie, Mike,Tim, Marcine, Ford and all of the Behm Family. Your loss is shared by everyone who really knew Betty. The comfort and support she and her family have provided over the years cannot be measured. Best wishes and condolences.
My condolences to all the Behm family She was a wonderful lady and will surely be missed Praise God for all the blessings you had to share.
So sorry to hear, will always remember her smile
My heartfelt condolences to the Behm family. Betty was a delightful lady, not only was she loved by everyone, she was especially loved by my mother, Molly. Prayers and love to all of you.
Ms. Behm was a kind and generous force of nature who will be missed by so many. May we all live with the grace, generosity and kindness we learned from Betty. Peace to all in the Behm Family.
Our deepest sympathies go to the Behm family over the passing of Betty. She was truly a very special lady who could light up a room the minute she walked in. I always enjoyed seeing her and talking with her when I had a service at the Madison funeral home. She truly was a, “class act”! Because she was a Christian I know the day will come when Judy and I will see her in Heaven when God calls us Home as He did her. But for now we pray for peace and comfort knowing that her suffering is now over. God Bless!
Great Lady & a Blessing She & Her Wonderful Family was & is to the Entire Madison Community. Our Condolences go to the Entire Behm Family. The Danyi Family
I am so sorry for your loss. We are praying for all of you.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Behm family. Betty was such a wonderful woman and will be missed by everyone she knew and the entire Madison community.
A great Lady indeed. Best thoughts to the Behm Family.
Mrs. Behm would be so proud of her children and total family under these troubling circumstances
Behm Family,Our thoughts and prayers for peace and strength during this difficult time.Betty was such a wonderful lady.Valerie and Betty attended my mother's (Evelyn Oakman) 90th birthday party three years ago. We enjoyed visiting with both of them that day. I remember coming to the funeral home for loved ones and friends and Betty always greeted us and was warm and caring. She will be missed.
Our entire family has always used Behm's for our loved ones. Mrs. Behm always was there with a smile and encouraging words..she would see our mom and go get her a bag of jelly beans…with a hug included of course ! May she RIP.
Our sincere sympathy to the entire Behm Family.
Dear Tim, Jeanette and the entire Behm Family, Betty was such a lovely woman and what an amazing legacy she has left behind. Her smile could light up the room. Her life touched so many and she will be missed. Many thoughts and prayers will be with your wonderful family. You'll never know how grateful we all are for all that Betty, and you have done for us. May the Lord's peace and comfort be with you all during this difficult time. With our Sincere Sympathy,
Sending deepest sympathies from my family
Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
“The memory of the righteous is a blessing.” Proverbs 10:7
So sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed caring for your mom for that short period of time, she was such a sweet woman. I I apologize for just now finding out about it since I have moved to Illinois to be closer to family since my husband's passing.
Dear Tim, Ford, Valerie, Marcine and Michael: I just this minute learned about your mom's passing and needless to say both Fran and I were shocked. I feel so guilty that we didn't even get to attend her calling hours, but we didn't know. Mrs. Behm was one in a million. In all the years I did your embalming I always tried to look her up before leaving for a quick, pleasant chat. She was always sooooo pleasant to be around. Fran and I dropped by the funeral parlour last year just to see how she was doing but the lady told us that everybody was away. Sadly we never made it back again. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. Our contribution to the Madison Library in her name will be in the post today. Again, we are so sorry. Much love.