Ethel J. Behm

Ethel “EJ” J. Behm, age 53, of Ripon, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 24, 2026.

EJ was born on December 12, 1972, in Chicago Heights, IL, daughter of James and Georgette (Phillips) Carley. On December 23, 2013 she married Matt Behm.

EJ was a member of Mt Zion Lutheran church in Ripon, WI. Over the years EJ had a few different occupations. She was a childcare provider when her own children were young, and later enjoyed working as a cleaning professional. Currently she was employed at Alliance Laundry Systems. Being the plant lady that she was, her dream profession would have been in a greenhouse.

Her hobbies included plant shopping, gardening, antiquing, and decorating their home. In recent years she enjoyed planning and taking day trips and vacations with Matt. She finally got to dip her toes in the ocean and stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon.

Her greatest joy in life besides her husband Matt, were her children Dylan and Sarah. She loved them with all that she was. Recently she was ecstatic to learn that she was going to become a grandmother (FINALLY!).

EJ was one of the most giving and helpful people you would ever meet.

She is survived by her loving husband Matt; her son, Dylan; her daughter, Sarah (Blayne) and unborn grandchild. She is further survived by her mother, Georgette; brother, Jay (Kelley) Carley, sister, Dawn (Todd) Morgan; brother, Clint Carley; and many nieces; nephews; great-nieces; and great-nephews.

Visitation for EJ will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 307 Mt. Zion Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral service for EJ will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Ripon, with Pastor Kurt Hagen officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree through A Living Tribute.