Guymon, Oklahoma – Iola A. Akers Behne, 94, lifelong Texas County resident, passed away early Friday, January 6th at the Heritage Community and Manor.
The first daughter and 9th of twelve Akers children, Iola Alice Akers was born August 31, 1922 in Hooker, Oklahoma.  She graduated from Hooker High School in 1942 and was united in marriage to Louis Edward Behne on October 31, 1942.  Family and faith were the foundation of the Behne family and Iola exemplified Christian hospitality and service, while making her husband and children her top priority.  She opened her home over and over again, whether she hosted exchange students, hospital interns or her Sunday school class and church youth.
As a volunteer in the Guymon community, Mrs. Behne was active and served on the local boards for the Oaks of Mamre Shelter, Loaves and Fishes Food Cupboard, Meals on Wheels, and Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.  As a devoted member of the Church of the Nazarene, Iola was always involved in the youth and taught junior high girls’ Sunday school for many years.  She was honored as the Guymon Citizen of the Year, Beta Sigma Phi Woman of the Year and Texas County Pioneer Day Queen.     Not one to let age slow her down, she enjoyed ceramics and bowling up into her 80s. 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis E. Behne on August 3, 1989; 9 brothers, Howard, Cecil, Steve, Gene, Roscoe, Jessie, Melvin, Albert and Russel Akers; two sisters, Geneva West and Beula Campbell; her son, Terry Behne; and two grandchildren, Tom Watkins and Cassie Behne.
She is survived by her children, Lou Watkins (Jerry) of Guymon; Kathie Pemberton (Terry) of Laverne, OK; Jerry Behne (Jona) of Flagstaff, AZ; Ted Behne (Chris) of Guymon; her special friend and "adopted daughter" Bing Ceniza ; sister in law, Dora Sales; two brothers-in-law, Bob Behne (Mona) Jim Behne (Charlotte),daughter-in-law, Karri Behne Long.  She is also survived by her fourteen grandchildren Jinger Looper (Darius), Jason Watkins (Katie), Steven Watkins (Katie), Jeff Behne (Summer), Tate Behne (Cindy), Jana Gibson (Greg), John Ed Costner, Georgia Behne, Jim E. George (Anna), Tim George (Cori), Heidi Furnish (Bret), Cicely Behne, Joel Behne and Colby Behne and 26 great grandchildren. 
Celebration of Life services will begin with cake and ice cream at 1:00 PM in the Nazarene Church basement with funeral services in the sanctuary, at 2:00 PM with Rev. Wayne Dawson, pastor, officiating.  Interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery and are entrusted with Henson-Novak Funeral Directors. 
Memorials may be given to the Church of the Nazarene, Loaves and Fishes Food Cupboard, MHTC Auxiliary, or any charity of the donor’s choice, c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK  73942.    
Friends may sign the online guest book at www.hensonnovak.com.
 

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