Joan Louise Behen

Feb 23 — Joan Louise Behen, 82, passed away at the Dallas Retirement Village in Dallas, OR. A California native, “Joanie” was born in Artesia and grew up in Long Beach. She graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School.

Her career spanned a variety of roles, including truck driving at the US Naval Shipyard, head cook at both Camp Mariastella and for the Senior Center in Salem, as well as front office staff for State Farm. But her most favorite job titles were Aunt, Gramma, and big Sister.

She was married to Ken Behen for almost 34 years, living in the mountains of Wrightwood, CA, before retiring to the country in Aumsville, OR.

Joan loved to sing, and was active with Sweet Adelines and several other singing groups through the years. She was also a fantastic cook, animal lover, and an instigator-and-memory-maker, who was often up for fun adventures. Her ever-sharp sense of humor and gorgeous smile will long be remembered by friends and family.

Joan loved to travel, and had driven “clear across America” from Tennessee to California, went to Hawaii several times, and visited Ireland.

She was a member of Salem First Christian Church.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents William and Margaret Patten, husband Ken Behen, stepsons Kenney and Michael Behen, and brothers Bill and Carl Patten.

She is survived by sister Carole Adams (Dallas, OR), stepsons Robert and Peter Behen, niece Gina Reynolds (Andy) of Blountville, TN, nephew John Adams (Leah) of Lancaster, CA, and many special great-nephews, -nieces, and adoptive grandchildren.

Local friends and family will be invited to gather and reminisce at a date still to be determined.

Graveside service will be held at a later date in Kennewick, WA.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in her memory to Isaiah 117 House (https://isaiah117house.com/donate) or to Wounded Warriors (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=16821&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS26001AACBREAA&&msclkid=d0058a5a085f16147864e3c7d0f4886e&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SEM%7CWWP%7CBR%7CUS%7CAll%7CWWP_General%7CBing&utm_term=support%20wwp%20org&utm_content=WWP_URL_Exact&gclid=d0058a5a085f16147864e3c7d0f4886e&gclsrc=3p.ds&gad_source=7&gad_campaignid=11562170122).