Leah Behrens, 65, died peacefully at her sister’s home on March 16, 2020 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Fort Carson, CO., Leah traveled the world with her parents and 4 siblings until her father passed away while serving in the military, then settled in Galesburg IL where Leah spent the remainder of her life.
Leah above all things cherished family. She worked just short of 30 years at United Facilities before retiring at the age of 63. At the end of the day though, home was where her heart was. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends and keeping a close eye on the “goings on” in the neighborhood.
Never married, and with no children of her own, Leah devoted her life to caring for her nephew, Keegan; her niece, Kaelyn; along with younger members of the family as though they were her own. Leah is also survived by two sisters, Diana Smith and her daughter, April, and Nancy (Roger) Fones and their children, Nick and Justin, both of Galesburg; and two brothers, Gary (Kathleen) Reagen of Plymouth, MN and their children, Nate and Josh, and Marvin Behrens, III of Galesburg, and his children, Jay and Reagan. Leah was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Behrens and Mildred (Mehaffey) Godsil; and a step-brother, Pat Godsil.
She was as stubborn as she was loving. With a stern look and a sideways glance, she could almost always encourage the people she cared about to “do the right thing.” No one could mention being in need within earshot of Leah, and if they did, she went above and beyond to make sure no one went without. She was giving to a fault, and every breath she took was to better the lives of those she loved. The family would like to thank Hospice Compassus for their loving care.
Cremation will be accorded. Private family services are postponed until this summer. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in Leah’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
