Mary Gloria Behunin

Mary Gloria Montrone Behunin

Mary Gloria Behunin, age 95, of Denver, Colorado was sent to her eternal home on June 4, 2025. She was born February 23, 1930, in Granger now renamed West Valley City, Utah, daughter of the late Giuseppe and Anna Castellano Montrone.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, DeLon Thomas Behunin; her daughter, Gloria Dee Shearer; two sons, Tommy Joe Behunin and Jeffrey Don Behunin; one granddaughter, Jennifer Behunin; two sisters, Geneva Gardner and Josephine Pauline Guido; three brothers, John Montrone, Paul Montrone and Veto Montrone.

She was a member of Shrine of Saint Annes Catholic Church and a homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, picnics, horseback riding, camping fishing, hunting and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mary is survived by two sons, Vincent S Behunin and William Troy (Troy) Behunin: three daughters, Cindy Ann Parker, Serri M Behunin, and Heidi L Nesladek, twenty-two grandchildren and thirty-five great- grandchildren; two sisters, Elizabeth (Bette) Corso, and JoAnn M Barker; one brother, Ralph C Montrone.

Some of Mary's greatest joys came from her family and eight children. They created many memories while enjoying trips, mostly to Sweetwater Resort in Colorado to go camping, hunting and fishing. She took an active role in the lives of her grandchildren by always sharing advice on life skills, picnics and having sleepovers.

Mary had many professions throughout her life. Her first was the one that she took so much pride in, helping her father work the home farm in Granger. She loved working side by side with her father and having saw how hard her daddy worked, wanted to make his load lighter. When her three older brothers went off to fight in World War II, it was Mary who her father counted on to do the plowing of the fields until her brothers returned safely. After graduating from school in 1948 she went to Steven-Henager Business College. In her spare time, she also started working at Woolworths behind the sewing counter. Here is where she met her best friend and future sister-in-law, Jane Waters. In 1949, Mary introduced Jane to her brother, Veto. Veto also introduced his best friend, DeLon Behunin to Mary so they could go on a double date. After Dee and Mary were dating for 4 months Mary felt that her relationship with Dee was getting too hot and heavy so she moved to Chicago where her sister Bette lived and started her next job working for BorgWarner Manufacturing making automatic transmission for Fords and Mercury Cars. After Mary lived 3 months in Chicago, Dee knew the love of his life was in Chicago. To her surprise, Dee drove to Chicago to propose to Mary. They were married by the Mayor of Chicago in a private home on November 11, 1950. The two honeymooned all the way back to Salt Lake City, Utah driving highway 66. After the two got back to Salt Lake, Mary's wish was to be married in the Catholic Church. On December 31, 1950, the two were married again at St. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church where their union was blessed. This was the same anniversary date that Mary's parents were married on as well as the anniversary of the night the two met. Together they started their family and moved to Colorado where they lived most of their lives in Arvada, Colorado, raising 8 kids. In later years, after her family was well established, Mary worked as the Head Lunch Cook at Shrine of Saint Annes Catholic School in Arvada, CO. Her last paying job for over ten years was working as a Lid Feed Operator at Coors Brewery Company in Golden, Colorado.

Those who knew Mary will remember her for her infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, her deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered. She had a rare gift of making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path.

The Celebration of Life Service in honor of Mary Gloria Montrone Behunin will be held on June 11, 2025, at 11:00 am at Huron & McConaty Funeral Home at 7577 W 80th Ave, Arvada, CO 80002. Visitation will be held prior to service at 10:00 am. Mary will be interred following the service at 12:30 pm at Arvada Cemetary, 5581 Independence Street, Arvada, CO. The family will receive friends at the Nesladek home after gravesite services at 4141 W 89th Way, Westminster, CO 80031.

Although Mary's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirt will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus up there, dear Mom, your light will forever shine bright in our hearts.

Heartfelt thank you to Denise Behunin and the Gardens of Saint Elizabeth staff who lovingly took care of Mary in her later years.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Mary and the Behunin Family!

Livestream for the Viewing: https://calendar.app.google/vMFXcZpr73r6rwc27

Livestream for the Service: https://calendar.app.google/SAErMGe74vNWUURY9