Martha May Milligen, 78, of Grand Island formally of Stuart, NE died March 5, 2015 at Wedgewood Care Center in Grand Island.

Martha was born March 23, 1936 at Rushville, NE to Joseph and Ruby (Olson) Behrens. She grew up on a farm in Yutan, NE and graduated from Yutan High School in 1954. She lived in Texas, and returned to Stuart, NE making that her home until health issues moved her to Grand Island to be with her daughter, Mary.

Martha was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Atkinson, NE and participated in weekly prayer services on Sundays at Wedgewood. She was a crafter and loved her daily crafts with Dena. She was always a homemaker and a horrible cook, to which she would laugh about (for which she has been forgiven). Her greatest passion was her family. She also loved angels and they were her greatest treasures.

Martha is survived by children: Mary (Mike) Pierson of Grand Island, Lloyd Behrens of North Platte, NE, Larry Philbrick of Norfolk, NE, Luanne Goertzen of Columbus, NE, Dennis (Ann) Philbrick of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren: Kylie Pierson (fiancé Sal) Anzalon of Margate, FL, Christopher Cindy) Pierson of Plainview, NE, Thomas (Krystal) Pierson of Lincoln, Nathan Pierson of Minot, ND, Jacob Goertzen of Lincoln, NE, Katie Goertzen of Columbus, NE, Mason, Madelyn, Malia Philbrick of Lincoln, NE; great grandchildren: Riley, Collin, Kadence, Noah, Makenna, Haydin, Brennon, Emmalyn, Anabelle, and Zooey; and brother: Donald (Mary) Behrens of Fremont, NE; one niece; 2 nephews; and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her twin angels in heaven at birth Donald Dean and Donna May Philbrick.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Monday, March 9, 2015 at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home with Walt Boyll officiating. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 Am until service time on Monday. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.