Transcribed and submitted by:

Robert L. Haddock

 

Surnames: BEHNKE, SPIVEY, PHELPS, STEWART, PAINTER

 

 

WACO TRIBUNE-HERALD
(ONLINE)

Waco, McLennan Co., Texas

Tuesday, August 1, 2006

 

Offa Lee Phelps Behnke

 

     Offa Phelps Behnke passed away Saturday, July 29, 2006. Mrs. Behnke, formerly of the Cego community in Falls County, has resided in Waco since 1988. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at Cego Cemetery with the Rev. Roland Behnke officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey.

     Mrs. Behnke was born Nov. 28, 1913, near Cego. She was the fourth of five children born to West Walker and Ada Wiggins Phelps. She was a member of a pioneer family, her grandparents, W. T. and Susan Martin Wiggins, having been early settlers of Western Falls County. She attended schools at Crown Point and Chilton. On Nov. 28, 1950, she married Conrad Behnke. He preceded her in death on August 17, 1984.

     Mrs. Behnke was a member of the Falls County Demonstration Club and the St. Paul United Church Women's Guild. Her interests included gardening and she had a special love for family history which she passed on to her daughter and grandchildren. At the time of her death, she was a member of the St. Paul United Church in Cego.

     She was preceded in death by a sister, Maggie Phelps Spivey; and two brothers, Bernard Phelps and Monta Phelps. Mrs. Behnke is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Stewart and husband, Tim of Woodway; her sister, Emma (Tommie) Phelps Painter of Waco; grandchildren, Charles Stewart and wife, Heather, and Mary Kathryn Stewart; and several nieces and nephews.

     The family would like to thank the staff of Lake Shore Village for their loving care. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Paul Cego Cemetery Association.