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Anna Ruth Behr

Feb. 12, 1940 - Jan. 29, 2021

Date of Service: Feb. 6, 2021

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BURLEY – Anna Ruth Sargent Behr, an 80-year-old resident of Burley, died after a short battle with a recurrence of cancer on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, in the comfort of her home. She was under the care of Intermountain Homecare and Hospice.

Ruth was born Feb. 12, 1940, in Montrose, Henry County, Missouri, to James Silas and Helen Louise Jones Sargent, and was raised there until she moved with her family to the Milner area, west of Burley, in 1949. She attended school in Burley and graduated in 1957 from Burley High School. She married Robert “Bob” Behr on Dec. 21, 1958.

Ruth survived breast cancer at the age of 36 (a 44-year remission) and was eventually left with a paralyzed arm. Despite that, she was able to live life to its fullest and still do most of the things she loved.

She enjoyed camping with her family, visiting with friends, four-wheeling, and traveling with her friend, Joe Wolf. Perhaps, her biggest passion was quilting and sewing. This was an activity she loved to share with her sisters and grandchildren. Ruth made many quilts for all of her family - including many of her great-grandchildren. She would often enter her sewing creations in various fairs. She loved to share her gift and talents with anyone who asked. Her grandchildren especially benefitted from her teaching.

Ruth is survived by her sons, Rodney (Ginny) Behr of Burley, and Gary Behr of Hailey; ten grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joan Anderson and Lois Agte both of Coeur d’Alene; and her good friend and travel partner, Joe Wolf. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob; her daughter, KaLyn Behr Burmeister; three brothers, John Sargent, Ed Sargent and George Sargent; and two sisters, Mary Kloer and Audria Kloer.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at First Presbyterian Church, 2100 Burton Ave., in Burley, with the Rev. John Ziulkowski officiating.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and at the church on Saturday, from 10 until 10:45 a.m. preceding the funeral.

For those unable to attend the funeral, a live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/zsMcPeQ0D6Q.

To help assist in mitigating COVID-19, the wearing of face masks and social distancing will be observed.

The family suggests that memorials be directed to Intermountain Homecare and Hospice of Burley.

Condolences for Anna Ruth Behr

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Dave King:

Rodney and family, your mother was obviously a very talented and wonderful woman and mother, and lived a good and full live. May God bless and comfort all of you at her passing.

Dave King, BHS class of '78

From Jacob Lynn Snapp:

I am sorry I missed the notice of Ruth's death. She was a great lady that I only met in my life during family reunions. I offer my condolences to the family and will pray that God brings comfort to you.

From Cort Behr:

My grandmother is the kind of sweetheart if she found out if you were home alone for a day she'll call you and ask about what meals you made and how you made them. She's the kind of person who will order a shareable meal at a restaurant so if she wanted to try a bite of what you had there was a transaction of food from one plate to the other. Ruth was the only person in my life other than my twin brother Carson and my mother Kalyn that did that.

From Kelli Nielsen:

I always loved visiting the Behr family as a child with my parents, Russel and Joann Ingram. My parents were such good friends with Bob and Ruth. I adored Visit with Ruth and was always amazed by her beautiful quilts. My deepest sympathy to the family.

From Robert Burmeister:

Ruth will always be the most selfless person I have known. She lived with a servant's heart giving to others her time and love.
I know KaLyn (Ruth Behr II) is giving her the biggest hugs right now.

From Connie Herbert:

I have many find memories of Ruth from church and quilt guild. When underwent chemo treatment in 1989-90 she delivered gifts to my doorstep for the 12 days of Christmas remaining anonymous until the final delivery. It was a wonderful way to bring joy.

From Cindy Brown:

I got to know Ruth from Mt Harrison Quilting Guild. She was a lovely, kind lady and amazed me with her quilting skills.

From Lori Eilers:

My deepest sympathy in the passing of your dear Ruth. She was a wonderful friend to so many of us at Mt Harrison Quilting Guild, and will be remembered for her lovely spirit.

From Linda Culley:

Ruth was a great lady. I loved helping her take care of her house. We had lots of laughs. I will truly miss her.

From Kevin and Melissa Simmons:

Ruth was one of my favorites from my days at the fire station. She was always so kind to myself and our family! Deepest condolences to Rodney, and her entire family

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