Anna Iola Behrendt

Behrendt, Anna “Iola”, 93, died Wednesday, March 7, 2007. Memorial service, 11:00 A.M., Sunday, March 11, Presbyterian Manor Chapel. A memorial service will also be held, 11:00 A.M., Monday, March 12, First Presbyterian Church, Syracuse, Kansas. Anna Iola Behrendt was born on November 6, 1913 into the loving home of George and Mary Carrithers. Her childhood was spent on her familys ranch in Stanton County and then in Syracuse, Kansas. She lost her mother, Mary, when she was but twelve and was raised largely by her father and siblings Rachel, Twist, Bill, Charles and Tom. She and her young brother, Richard, were surrounded by a loving family which molded their character forever. Iola graduated from Syracuse High School in 1931 and attended college in Emporia. She returned to Western Kansas and taught school in Bear Creek, Johnson, and Syracuse, including a number of years in a one-room schoolhouse. She met Thomas F. Behrendt and when he returned from the war in the Pacific, they married and created a wonderful and loving home in Syracuse. They raised two sons, John Thomas and Mack Frederick. Iola served her community in many ways. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, PEO, and Eastern Star. For many years she served as the librarian. She worked tirelessly for her family and her community. She was never too busy to fix a pie for a neighbor or a church dinner. She nurtured the young minds of the community through her love of books. Her gardens, her pies, her taffy pulls, and her love of life were legendary. In 1996 Tom and Iola moved to Wichita and continued to dispense love and encouragement to all with whom they came into contact. Iola was preceded in death by her father; son, Mack, and her husband, Tom. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Theresa Behrendt, of New York City, NY; grandson, Todd (Lauren) Thomas of Santa Monica, CA; granddaughter, Gretchen (Mark) Komnik of Falls Church, VA; great-granddaughters, Kiley, Jessica, Natalie; nephew, Joe (Penny) Carrithers; cousins, Gyla and Gene Roberson, both of Wichita; and many more who consider themselves family. Memorial established with First Presbyterian Church, 302 East Avenue F, Syracuse, KS 67878. Downing Lahey Mortuary West. Second Service: Memorial Service, 11:00 A.M., Monday, March 12, First Presbyterian Church, Syracuse, KS