Grace Lillian Behnke

March 6, 1930 - January 1, 2021

Grace Lillian (Bruner) Behnke, 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior January 1, 2021 in Fort Worth, TX. Due to the current COVID climate, a celebration of Grace’s life is tentatively planned for March 6, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Bethesda Baptist Church in Burleson, TX. She was born March 6, 1930 in Temple, TX to James and Marietta Wilson Bruner. Grace married Ernest (Ernie) Behnke on November 2, 1954 in Temple, TX. They were happily married for 63 years. Grace and Ernie had two sons, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Grace was an elementary reading teacher at Nola Dunn Elementary School in Burleson, TX for 30 years. She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Burleson, TX for many years. Grace had a passion for teaching children about Jesus and was very involved in children’s activities, including Vacation Bible School. She also played the church organ, served as church treasurer, taught various Sunday School classes and led ladies’ Bible studies. Later, Grace and Ernie joined Bethesda Baptist Church, where she continued to actively serve until her health prevented her from doing so. Even after moving to Elk Creek Assisted Living, she was leading and participating in Bible studies. Grace was also very dedicated to Burleson’s Harvest House ministry after her retirement, serving as treasurer for many years. She especially loved their Little Red Schoolhouse project. Grace is preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, her parents and her brother, James Bruner. Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Bob Behnke and wife, Susan and Bill Behnke and wife, Merrily; grandchildren, Rebekah Ellison and husband, David, Benjamin Behnke and wife, Shauney, James Behnke and Markus Behnke; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Emily Ellison and Ethan and Isabelle Behnke; and a host of extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Lottie Moon Mission Offering at Bethesda Baptist Church or Envoy Hospice of Fort Worth, or donate children’s book to the elementary school of your choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Elk Creek Assisted Living in Burleson and Envoy Hospice of Fort Worth.