Lola Jean Behrens, age 88 of rural Sterling, IL, died Tuesday, March 28, 2017.
She was born on June 9, 1928, in Sterling, the daughter of Lawrence and Erma (Watson) Dirks. She married Donald H. Behrens on October 22, 1950; he preceded her in death on March 19, 2006. Lola Jean was a lifelong, faithful member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in rural Sterling. She was the church organist for 50 years, church secretary, and a member of Our Savior’s Ladies Aid. Lola Jean worked alongside her brother as a cashier for Dirks Auction Service for many years. She was an election judge for Hopkins Township. She loved to cook and bake pies. She enjoyed bowling with her husband, canning, and gardening. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.
She is survived by her daughters, Susan Boelkins (Randy Betts) and Dianne Behrens (Ed Ritchie) both of Morrison, IL; her brother, Lyle (Donna) Dirks of Sterling; special granddaughter, Candace (Jason) Bush; special great-grandchildren, Lucas Carey, Hunter and Hailey Bush; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Visitation will be Friday, March 31, 2017, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Avenue, in Rock Falls, IL.
Funeral service will be Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sterling, IL, with Reverend Mike Winkelman, officiating.
Burial will follow at Hopkins Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in her memory.