Dereen Kaye Behymer

Dereen Kaye Behymer, age 69, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at her home in Maywood, Missouri. In her final moments, she was surrounded by close family, her dogs at her side, and a beautiful sunset with a strong western wind providing a peaceful transition.

Dereen was born on August 14, 1956, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, daughter of Donald and Neila (Gannon) Forrester. She was united in marriage to Mark Behymer on August 4, 2018, in Emden, Missouri. She was previously a member of Prairie View Baptist Church and later attended Ewing Baptist Church.

Dereen’s greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by her husband Mark and dogs Poppy and Tallulah (Lula); daughters Dena Reiss and Jenna (Brian) Dugan; step-daughters Aaron (David) Boone, Leah (Craig) Heming, Krysta (Jason) Behymer; step-son Evan (Tiffany) Behymer; sisters Cheryl (Scott) Kosatka and Donna (Chris) Smith; sister-in-law Lynda Behring; grandchildren Ajay, Eli, Micah, Nikolas, Katlyn, Grace, Lily, Emmalynn, Liara and Evalynn; grand-dogs Ruger, Remy, and Colt.

She is also survived by a large loving family of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, extended family who remain close and many friends she loved like family.

 In addition to her parents, Dereen was preceded in death by her very dear Aunt Dorothy Forrester, brother-in-law John Behring, and more beloved extended family members. She will also be reunited with the 4-legged friends that she loved to the end; Tali, Emma, Tucker, Asia, Murphy, Mason, Zhu-Zhu, and Nadine.

Riding horses or, in later years, mules, she felt most at peace in the presence of animals. With compassion, she never turned away an animal in need, always finding a way to care for it or place it in a loving home. Dereen had a deep, lifelong love for horses and was a proud member of the Menomonee Falls Saddle Club in Wisconsin and the Quincy Saddle Club in Illinois. She also cherished time spent camping in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri, whether surrounded by family or alongside her beloved horses and horse friends. 

Dereen passionately loved the Christmas season. With a twinkling tree in every room and countless totes of decorations, she created a home filled with magic, warmth, and wonder. Christmas wasn’t just a day—it was a feeling she carried year-round. She welcomed everyone with open arms, a beautiful smile and always had a dish to share. Texas sheet cake and calico beans became staples for gatherings with family and friends. And Christmas would not be the same without rosettes and chocolate covered pretzels – foods that became traditions and memories for generations to come.

The Fourth of July is a Behymer family tradition that Mark introduced to Dereen. Despite setbacks and struggles, together they carried on the tradition, celebrating family, friends, food, and lots of fun at their home.

She was deeply connected to the spiritual world and found purpose in her work as a medium, offering comfort, guidance, and reassurance to those seeking peace and understanding. Her presence brought a sense of calm and connection that many will never forget.

Dereen will be remembered for her generous heart, her fierce love of family, her kindness to furry friends, and the way she made everyone feel welcome and deeply cared for. The world feels a little less warm without her, but her love will continue to live on in every family gathering and every memory made in her honor.

To know Dereen was to be loved by her, fully and unconditionally.

A memorial celebration will be held in Mountain Home, Arkansas for all friends and family at a later date.