Carolyn Ann Behnke

Carolyn “Ann” Behnke, 73, of Scottsbluff, died Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at her home with her family by her side. A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2011 at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff with Pastor Todd Reed officiating. Cremation was held at Sunset Memorial Park Crematory in Scottsbluff. Her family requests that you wear happy bright colors, something that would make Annie smile. Memorials have been established to Prairie Haven Hospice or to the family for a memorial to be named in the future in her name. Ann was born September 22, 1937 in Lawrence, KS to Melvin and Marguerite (Schroeter) Goff. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1955 and attended college at Belmont University. She met the love of her life, Gerald “Curly” Behnke, in the 8th grade, and they were married November 18, 1955. They had two beautiful children Stephen Joseph Behnke and Sarah Lynne Lehl. She was a rare find who was a generous, hard working, fun loving lady who was always willing to serve at home, in the neighborhood and in the community when needed. Curly and Ann took this willingness to serve others when they moved to Scottsbluff in 1975 and purchased the Woodshed Restaurant which is still open for business today where Ann was in charge of the front and Curly in charge of the kitchen. She greeted everyone who walked through the door with a warm and welcoming smile. She was always excited to form new friendships for all who walked through the door. This quality is what makes the Woodshed a great place to eat and also a place for families. Ann loved caring for her geraniums, reading a good book and sitting on the porch with Curly after a long night at the “Shed”. She held a very special place in her heart for her grandchildren; Jeremy, Jessica, Nicole, Nicholas, Michael and Megan and great grandchildren Cierah and Isabelle. Ann had a wonderful life and will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband Gerald Joseph “Curly” Behnke; son Stephen Joseph (Pam) Behnke; daughter Sarah Lynne (Mick) Lehl; grandchildren: Jeremy Joseph (Cassi) Behnke, Jessica Lynne Behnke, Nicole Leigh Curran, Nicholas Scott Curran, Michael John Lehl and Megan Ann Lehl; great grandchildren: Cierah Marie Hernandez and Isabelle Nevaeh Hernandez; and nephew: Bob & Marcella Larabee; and their children Jessica and Robert. Ann was preceded in death by her parents Melvin Ward and Marguerite Schroeter Goff; sister Gloria, brother Ward, niece Lisa and nephew Fred.