Martha J. Behrens

Martha Kopplin Behrens passed away Saturday, December 16 at the age of 84. One of ten siblings, Martha was born February 15, 1933. Picking cotton, sneaking watermelons, and moving from Floresville to Miles to Seguin and more, are the memories shared of her childhood. On February 10, 1951 she married the love of her life, Nolan Behrens. Both worked for Mission Valley Mills. Many folks know Martha for her last job (and quirky sense of humor) at Sac-n-Pac. Some confused her and her 'older' sister who worked there also which always brought lots of laughter and a little angst!

For many years, she volunteered at a local nursing center creating beautiful ceramics. The proceeds from the sales helped the residents enjoy giving Christmas gifts to local children and guaranteed the six Christmas trees never had less than 800 lights each. Her passion for this mission led to the making of many friendships and renewing of many others.

Her faith in the Lord was a solid foundation in her life. During a season of life, she and Nolan, worked for a church in Spring, TX. She was challenged by the pastor to make apple pies out of some apples left over from a fundraiser. Never having baked a pie in her lifetime, she found a recipe and the rest of the story is known by many - she became the apple pie lady! Just this Thanksgiving, Iris discovered another friend who has missed the apple pie delivery during the holidays! That love of the Lord was what carried her through the nine year battle she fought against vascular dementia. Her wonderful husband kept her grounded and smiling by visiting her daily three of the years she lived at The Willows at EdenHill Communities before his passing in 2016.

Survivors include two children, Iris Bowden of New Braunfels and Mark (Glenda) Behrens of Irving. Making a very long list of "Grammy-isms" are four grandchildren, Jill Bowden, Jason (Tiffany) Bowden, Kyle (Jessica) Behrens and Kelsey (David) Timmes. Her great-grandchildren are Gracie, Emma, and Charlotte Bowden and Chase and Aubrey Behrens. She is also survived by her sister, Alma Wahl; sister-in-law, Vallen Kopplin; and brother-in-law, Delvin Weber and numerous nieces and nephews. Many thanks go to her roommate on The Willows, Lorene Krueger, and best friend for the past year, Jessica Mathis, as well as all The Willow's staff for their loving, attentive care.

Visitation will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 26 at Zoeller's. Please join us in celebrating her life Wednesday, December 27, 11 a.m. at Zoeller Funeral Home. Interment immediately following services will be at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to The Willows Memory Care at EdenHill Sensory Project.