Sally Jean Behnke

Sally Jean Behnke passed away peacefully at her home in Ft Collins, Colorado on September 25, 2026 with her children and daughter in law by her side. Sally was born in Berkeley California on

May 8, 1938 to George Frederic Martin and Clara May Martin - the youngest of 3 children, she graduated from Berkeley High in 1956 and continued her education in Nursing at Merritt Nursing College in Oakland and UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco. After graduation, she was appointed the head of Contra Costa County's Public Health Department. 

She met the love of her life Bob Behnke in the summer of 1963 introduced by friends. They were married at the end of that year and enjoyed almost 50 years of marriage. 

She kept up her nursing licenses in both Colorado and California for several years and volunteered in the 1960s - 90s with a traveling health clinic van in Ft Collins and various blood pressure clinics. She was a voracious reader - especially science fiction and an avid gardener. She was involved in her church, book club and water aerobics at her health club. 

Sally was a nurturer and straight shooter and will be missed by her family and friends and neighbors. She is survived by her son Robert Behnke his wife Jennifer Geers Behnke grandson Bryson and granddaughter Caroline and her daughter Cynthia Behnke Hanson her husband Paul Hanson and granddaughter Isabella and grandson Zachary.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 1PM October 30th at St Luke’s Church, 2000 Stover Street, Fort Collins, Colorado.