Dr. Ronald Banks and Catherine "Cathy" Behrens Lynn

Dr. Ronald Banks Lynn
Catherine "Cathy" Behrens Lynn

In February 1995, at the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, Cathy Behrens and Ron Lynn held hands and professed their love and commitment to one another, while friends and family encircled them.
For nearly 25 years, they shared a life of joys, challenges, triumphs and sorrows. Their love for one another was unconditional and unapologetic.
Earlier this month, their unconventional love story came to a bittersweet end when Cathy and Ron passed away hours apart: Cathy on the morning of Nov. 3 in a Memphis hospital of complications of multiple sclerosis, and her beloved Ron on Nov. 4 in their home after a long siege with cancer.
Ron was a well-respected pediatric neurologist who for the past two decades practiced in Memphis, Tennessee. He earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma and completed a residency at Vanderbilt University. Prior to moving to Memphis, Ron practiced in Ogden and Salt Lake City.
Cathy, who spent most of her childhood in Utah, was a graduate of Cottonwood High School and Westminster College.
When they met, she already required a wheelchair due to advancing multiple sclerosis. Ron saw beyond the chair: Cathy was a kind, confident woman with a beautiful smile who loved to laugh, enjoyed good food and wine and was just as crazy about dogs as he was.
For many years they hosted wine tastings at their lovely East Memphis home to raise money for various charities. Cathy was a member of Rotary International and recently honored as Rotarian of the Year for her service to the community.
They are survived by their longtime caregiver and dearest friend, Denise Claxton, who lovingly cared for them for more than 19 years.
They are also survived by Cathy's parents, Dr. Charles and Mary Behrens of Salt Lake City; brothers Bo (Marjorie) and Mike (Ellen); sister Sarah and nieces Liz (Wyn), Grace, Anna and Ally and nephew Matthew. Ron's nieces and nephews also survive them.
They are also survived by their dog, Ziggy, the last of a long line of their much loved rescue dogs.
Cathy was cremated at her request. Ron donated his body to a medical education organization. There will be no funeral services in Utah but a joint memorial service will be held in Memphis at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church at 5530 Shady Grove Road.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, 935 Farm Road, Memphis, TN 38134, https://memphishumane.org or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741 or https://utah.bestfriends.org