Carolyn Ann Behmer, 79, died Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, at SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford.

Born Jan. 26, 1932, in Orangeville, the daughter to John and Effie (Dietmeier) Heitz. Carolyn graduated from Freeport High School in 1950. She married Deryle J. Behmer on Aug. 19, 1950, in Freeport. Member of Congregational Christian Church in Stillman Valley and served many years on the Funeral Luncheon committee. She was an avid golfer and bowler and loved following her children and grandchildren in all their sports and activities. Carolyn loved gardening and loved to hold and take care of the babies.

Survived by children, Cindy (Dr. Peter) Gale of Kingsport, TN, Rick (Teresa Dever) Behmer of Stillman Valley, Randy Behmer of Chana and Robert (Anisa) Behmer of Stillman Valley; brother, John J. Heitz of Freeport; sisters, Josephine Mitchell of Belvidere and Nancy (Albert) DeMichael of Freeport; grandchildren, Valerie, Allie and Mack Gale, Hayli (Shane) Davis, Karli (Jason) Smith, Toby (Aly) Behmer, Rusty Behmer, Katie (Josh) Linnemann, Ritchie Behmer, Cody, Nicole and Robin Behmer, Nick (Dawn) Bolin, Chelsea (Todd) Watson and Isiah Blake; great-grandchildren, Hope, Noble, Jaron, Claire, Lane, Payton and Isaiah; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents; husband, Deryle; daughter, Connie Bolin; five sisters; and four brothers.

Service at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Congregational Christian Church in Stillman Valley, with Pastor Chris Brauns, pastor of the church and Pastor Shane Davis co-officiating.

Burial in Stillman Valley Cemetery. Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 136 W. Roosevelt Road, Stillman Valley.

A memorial fund is established for Congregational Christian Church or the Stillman Valley Cemetery, or Stillman Valley Fire Protection District.

Published in Rockford Register Star from December 17 to December 18, 2011