Mary Alice Behling

Mary is survived by her lifelong friend Rosemary Fri, three nieces and two nephews, and two great nephews. Also proceeding Mary’s death were her two special canine friends, Angie and Sheila.

Dr. Behling earned a bachelor’s degree in 1953 at Illinois State University, a master’s degree at the University of Northern Colorado in 1958 and a Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1969. Her teaching career began at the high school and junior high school in St. Charles, IL followed by 29 years at the University of Northern Colorado until retiring and given Professor Emeritus status.

Though her teaching included the usual team, individual and dual sports activities, she had a penchant for variety. This was evidenced by creating approaches to teaching using problem solving, team teaching, multi-transaction for individual classes, computer-assisted instruction, and evaluation (the development of which she received an award from the Graduate School) as well as interdisciplinary workshops and events. She also developed and taught two rather unique classes… stress management and orienteering. After receiving her doctorate, she taught upper division and graduate classes in methods, curriculum development and administration as well as consultant, advising doctoral candidates and giving numerous scholarly presentations at professional meetings.

Dr. Behling’s many awards include the Honor Award for Service from the Central District Association of the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; the Inspiration Award from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and Recreation; The Outstanding Teacher Award from the Colorado Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation; an Educational Honorary from Pi Lambda Theta; Honorary Membership in the Central Association for Physical Education in Higher Education in recognition of service; Member Award for Outstanding Service to the Greeley Audubon Society and the Outstanding Service Award from the Colorado Senior Sports Development Council. At UNC she was honored by having the Outstanding Scholar Award for Women named after her.

Mary’s love for flowers showed in her beautiful yard which she maintained into her 80s. She enjoyed bird watching and being active in the Greeley Audubon Society. She had fun participating in Greeley Senior Games and playing tennis. When Mary retired, she started taking art classes, both in painting and wood working. She was a talented artist and shared her passion with others by teaching art classes. She loved to learn and continued taking classes and learning new techniques. Mary served as president of the Greeley Art Association. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church serving on several boards and the garden club.

We want to thank the staff at Grace Point for their loving care.

Celebration of life will be at the First Congregational Church on December 7, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. You may also view the service at https://youtube.com/live/MfsJDxudX7E?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested a donation to the First Congregational Church 2101 16th St Greeley CO 80631 or Mary Behling Scholarship Fund UNC Foundation Campus Box 20, Greeley CO 80639

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.allnuttmacychapel.com for the Behling family.