Mary Ann (Sander) Behr

Mary Ann Behr (nee Sander), 90, Defiance, was called home by her Lord on September 12, 2021.

Mary Ann was born March 21, 1931 in Defiance MO to Erich and Lillian Sander (nee Becker). She graduated from Francis Howell High School. She was united in marriage to Duane Behr in June 1950 at St. Paul’s E&R Church of Defiance. The couple made their home in St. Charles and later Defiance. They were blessed with nine children, 24 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

Mary Ann was a homemaker for many years, and later employed by the University of Missouri Extension Center as a Youth Educational Assistant. She was a life-long member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Defiance and a dedicated 4-H adult leader. Mary Ann loved to quilt. She hand-made quilts for every child and grandchild when they were married, and made baby quilts for the birth of every grandchild and great grandchild.

She is survived by five sons, Mike (Debbie Roberts) of Niceville FL, Vance (Pam Patefield) of Albuquerque NM, John (Marcia Cork) of Augusta MO, Carl (Jil Stammers) of Stover MO, and Allan (Michelle Herbst) of Washington MO, and three daughters, Doris (Paul Braddock) of St. Charles IL, Carol (Ken Rolwes) of Washington MO, and Gayle (Doug Reece) of Platte City MO, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Erich and Lil, her husband Duane, their infant daughter Nancy, and their infant granddaughter Jennifer Braddock.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials be made to St. Paul’s UCC Defiance; in care of Pitman Funeral Home, PO Box 248, Wentzville, MO 63385. 

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