Obituaries

Ann Marie Behnke, age 92, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, in Athens, Alabama after a brief illness. Ann was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on September 16, 1933.

Ann and her former husband traveled the country, when Coast Guard duty assignments took them to Cheboygan, MI, Traverse City, MI, Duluth, MN and Los Angeles, CA. Ann made a home for her children while her husband was aboard ship, often for months at a time.

Ann owned and operated the Seaway Motel in Sault Ste. Marie, MI for more than 30 years. She opened her heart to anyone in need, and often provided those less fortunate a place to rest for the night. After closing the motel, Ann moved in with her daughter Kim and son-in-law Jerry and spent her remaining years with them. Ann loved to read, knit, crochet, build jigsaw puzzles, cooking and gardening. Ann was a devout Christian and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish while she lived in Sault Ste. Marie and St. Paul Catholic Parish in Athens, Alabama when the family relocated.

Ann is survived by her son Bruce Behnke of Ardmore, Alabama, daughter Kim (Jerry) Stephens of Athens, Alabama, brothers Duane (Peggy) Mayer of Yelm, Washington and Dennis (Linda) Mayer of Juneau, Alaska, sister Juleta McFadden of Davenport, Iowa, grandsons Nathan Leask of Jueau, Alaska and Dusty Behnke of Gillette, Wyoming, several great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Ann was preceded in death by her father Diamond Mayer and mother Jewel (Potter) Smith, her sons Diamond Behnke and Roland “Rob” Behnke, her brother Arthur LaVigne and grandson Christopher Behnke.

Donations in Ann’s name can be made to the Hospice of the EUP, 308 W 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. www.hospiceoftheeup.com or St. Joseph Catholic Parish of Sault Ste. Marie.

A celebration of life and graveside interment will be held in Summer 2026 at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, MI.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.