She was born on October 4, 1931, in Sterling, the daughter of William J. and Frances N. (Reilly) Sowles, and was a graduate of Rock Falls High School. She married Robert “Bob” Behrens on September 14, 1951, in Rockford. He died June 10, 2003. Sally began her working career for her father in the Sowles Dry Goods in Rock Falls while in high school. Following her marriage, she was a dedicated stay-at-home mom raising her children. In 1972, she and her son Jim opened Behrens Flower Shed, and in the mid 1980’s began the restaurant known as Muffins and More. Sally’s joys in later years were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her daughters: Julie Bloomhall (Dennis Hoffman), Jill (Mark) Ehredt, Jenny (Russ) McLindsley; sons: Jim (Kathy) Behrens, Joe (Theresa) Behrens, and Jeff (Tiffani) Behrens; her sister, Nancy (Gene) Book; 18 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Frances Sowles; her Stepmother Lillian Sowles; her husband, Bob; her grandson, Samuel Ehredt, and great grandson, Jude Gerard Lewis.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 9-11 AM at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. The funeral will follow at 11 AM with the Reverend Dalmus Meeks officiating. Burial will conclude at Coloma Twp Cemetery.
