Hester Elizabeth Behlen

Hester Elizabeth (Keck) Behlen was born December 29, 1921 in Cost, Texas, in Gonzales County, to Roy Keck and Lina Cowey Keck and baptized in the Baptist faith at a young age.  She passed away on December 4, 2022 at 5:41 p.m. at the age of 100 years, 11 months and 5 days.

She married Gerhard Otto Behlen on May 23, 1940, who was the love of her life.  They were married over 70 years before he preceded her in death on September 25, 2010.  They were blessed with four children; Barbara Sue Behlen Hand, Sandra Marie Behlen Huber, Gloria Kay Behlen Ruddock and Ronald Gerhard Behlen.

She is survived by Barbara Sue Hand, Sandra Marie Huber and husband Charles “Tommy”, Gloria Kay Ruddock and husband James “Bubba” all of Gonzales and Ronald “Ronnie” Behlen and wife Bonnie of Cost; sister Jesse Marie Boss of Lumberton; 8 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren, numerous family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Joseph Henry “Bud” Keck and Johnny Keck and son-in-law Bobby Hand.

She loved being a wife, mother and grandmother lovingly known as “Mamoo”.  She was an awesome cook, enjoyed playing the guitar and singing.  She worked side by side, on the family farm, with her husband. She was active in sports with volleyball and bowling.  She was active with her children in 4-H and rodeo events. She will be remembered for her love, her sweetness, gentleness, her stubbornness, and her hard work.  She was a very caring lady, who would help or do anything for her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, December 10, 2022 with a memorial service starting at 2 p.m. at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in memory of Hester to: The First Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELCA), 1206 St. Joseph, Gonzales, TX 78629; The Care Team Hospice, 1119 Water Street, Suite B, Gonzales, TX 78629 or donor’s charity of choice.

Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul, Gonzales, TX