Ione Nita Behm

Ione Nita Behm

(1926-2021)

Ione Nita (Howe) Behm, 95 of Cheney, Wash. passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 14, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

She was one of nine children born to Clifford Rudolf Howe and Veronica (Paddock) Howe in the small town of Houghton, South Dakota. There she attended elementary school and later graduated from Hecla High School. As a student at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, she majored in early childhood education and graduated in 1949.

While on a trip to California with her sister in 1953, she met Roy K. Behm who was serving in the Navy at the time. After a yearlong courtship, the two were married on June 12, 1954. Upon completion of Roy's service in the Navy, the couple moved to Bellevue, Washington where he continued his education at the University of Washington and they started their family.

After graduation, the couple moved to Rochester, New York for Roy's employment for a year. They then decided to settle in Washington State. Roy taught chemistry at Eastern Washington University and Ione returned to her teaching career and became a kindergarten teacher at Sunset Elementary in Airway Heights. After 30-plus years of teaching and touching the lives of hundreds of students and many fellow educators, Ione retired from the career she loved and enjoyed.

During their younger years, Ione and Roy enjoyed camping, boating, golfing, dancing, jazz festivals, and cruising all over the world. She was an active Alpha Nu member for many years and enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, and many other crafts.

Ione was loved and admired by all who knew her.

Ione is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Leon, Francis (Buzz), Estella, Helen, Doretta, and Harlowe.

She is survived by her husband, Roy Kenyon Behm, her two daughters, Constance Ione Bynaker (Hank) of Airway Heights, Washington and Marilyn Sue Amador (James) Brookings, Oregon. Four grandchildren Barbi Nojaim, Allison Pannabecker, Nina Traverso and Brandon Amador. Eight great grandchildren Zach, Drue, Zuri, Naomi, Vito, Amauri, Luke, and Niila. She is also survived by her two sisters, Shirley Crossan and Ann Brown, both of Covington, Washington. The family would like to thank Home Instead of Spokane and Kindred Hospice for their wonderful care and help.

Due to the current circumstances, a Celebration of Life for Ione will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making contributions to the following in memory of Ione Nita Behm. Please mail your check to:

Birdie Riddick

Alpha Nu Treasurer

30 N. 7th Street

Cheney, WA 99004

Or

Northern State University Foundation

620 15th Ave S.E.

Aberdeen, SD 57401