Saundra Sue Behrends, 86, of Clifton passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Memory Haven of Tolono. She was born on December 6, 1939 in Kankakee, a daughter of William and Dorothy (Herron) Stearns. Saundra married Dale Herman Behrends on August 22, 1959 in Bradley and he preceded her in death on August 17, 2017.
Saundra is survived by her children, Roxanne (Lyle) Kellogg of Box Elder, South Dakota, Michael (Sandy) Behrends of Clifton, Cynthia (Chuck) Hendrickson of Hartville, Missouri, Christina (John) Kidwell of Gilman, and Seth Behrends of Clifton; 15 grandchildren;15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Betty Drechsel of Naples, Florida.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother, William Stearns; two sisters, Vicki Kroll and Patricia Howard; and two grandchildren, Cole Fleming and Tucker Fleming.
Saundra loved gardening and was a very talented crafter, especially with baby dolls. She was very involved with 4H. Saundra loved to train dogs as well as show dogs and goats. She started the Iroquois County 4H Dog Obedience Program, 4H “Rough Riders”, and “Kids with Kids” 4H Goat Club.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman with Rev. Chris Schoon officiating. Burial will follow at the Gilman Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Iroquois County 4H Dog Obedience and Memory Haven of Tolono.
Please share a memory of Saundra at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
