Alta “Eudene” Behrnes, 87 of Horton, passed to her eternal glory after a short illness, with many family members at her bed side on Saturday, January 16, 2016.

She was born October 16, 1928 in Netawaka, Ks to John William and Dorothy Askew (Myers) Monaghan and attended school in Whiting, graduating from high school in 1947. After high school she lived in Topeka and worked as a telephone operator until she married the love of her life, Harvey Behrnes, on April 17, 1948. He passed to glory April 19, 2008. They lived on the family farm until they moved to Horton in 1989.

From that union 3 children were born, Gary (Jean) Behrnes of Horton, Karen (Vincent) Vanderweide of Atchison, and Connie (Ron) Kautz of Whiting. She had 2 step children Alice Uber of Horton and Alvin Behrnes who preceded her in death in 1968. Three brothers, Dale Monaghan of Topeka, Daryl Monaghan of Hiawatha and Wayne Monaghan of Everest; sister, Maxine Pollom of Ottawa. She was also preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers Lyle and Carol Monaghan, a sister Ilene Merz, her son in law Barney Uber, a grandson Kody Kautz, and a great granddaughter Ashley Wilson.

Eudene’s main passion was her family. Besides her loving husband and children she also has 78 grandchildren including 17 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 18 great great grandchildren, plus in laws and multiple “adopted” family members. She loved Jesus and was the family matriarch teaching love and compassion by example. She is leaving a part of her behind in the many quilts she embroidered and shared with family members and many others. Every new baby has a quilt made especially for them. Picking out walnuts was a yearly tradition with her picking out 106 quarts in November 2015. She was a member of the Walnut Women’s Club. She collected kerosene lamps and iron skillets. Eudene was a hard worker and farming was a part of her life. In the summer she would go to the farm every other day to feed her cattle, fix fence and do whatever she thought needed to be done. Bargain hunting was a game for her and she was good at it and loved to do it. She never missed a birthday remembering every grandchild with a card and some money. Christmas was also a joyous time with family together and the adults always received her homemade strawberry preserves. That was the most treasured gift ever and if her homemade rainbow colored angel food cake was added that was the ultimate bonus and now a family tradition! The game of pitch was a common site and a favorite. Her most treasured memory left for her family and friends is her gift of love. She always put others above herself, continuing to do so even in her last days. She was a strong lady and admired by many, was loved by everyone and will forever be missed with her memory living on forever. Everyone that knew her loved her.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends on Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 P.M.. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions will be given in her name to be designated later to different charities. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com