Metta Marlene Forristall's Obituary
Metta "Marlene" Forristall, 80, of Beavercreek, Oregon, went home to be with the Lord on November 8, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Marlene was born on February 22, 1936 in Oregon City, Oregon to James T. and Florence L. (Court) Marshall. She was the fifth of six children. The four older brothers are: J. LeRoy (deceased), Willis of McMinnville, Oregon, G. Bruce (deceased), Bardwell of McMinnville, Oregon and a younger sister, Sherrel (Marshall) Stephens of N. Las Vegas, Nevada.
Marlene grew up and lived most of her life in the Clarkes Community. She graduated from Oregon City High School in 1954. That same year she was united in marriage to Lowell L. Forristall, also from Clarkes. Lowell and Marlene were married for 62 years before God called her home. Together they raised six children: Karen Louise (Mathews) of Oregon City; Leslie LaVern (Vern) of Madras; Virginia Rae (Crowley) of Nikiski, Alaska; James LeRoy (Jim) of Molalla; Lisa Kae (Couey) of Stockbridge, Georgia; and Lindsay Lewis of Aurora. From these six children she was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
Marlene always approached life as a great adventure. In 1979, Marlene and Lowell moved to Pine Hollow, Oregon (east of the mountains) where together they made many lifelong memories and friends. Marlene loved to travel and at the drop of a hat, had her purse or bag in hand and was ready to go. Following the course of so many retirees, they became "snowbirds" and spent a lot of time in Arizona. Even developed a jojoba bean farm. It was in the desert where Marlene found great joy. She loved the warm sun, dry weather and watching the desert bloom in the spring.
In her later years, Clarkes became her permanent home once again. It was a home that welcomed family, friend or stranger. She always embraced the company and could spend hours sitting in her chair laughing and telling stories. She had a very big heart and gave generously to her community and church. If there was a committee, she was a part of it. Her love of sewing led her to quilting, spending countless hours of love making blankets to donate to the local church.
Her life here on earth was a great example to others of a life well lived. Where there was love, there was our mother. May you live on eternally with your heavenly Father and in our hearts forever.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Foothills Community Church in Molalla, Oregon. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Foothills Community Church building fund at PO Box 797, Molalla, Oregon.
What’s your fondest memory of Metta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Metta?
Share a story where Metta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Metta you’ll never forget.
How did Metta make you smile?