In Memory Of
Joanne Forsyth
Joanne Forsyth
Joanne Forsyth, 70, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2006, at Midland Hospice Center in Topeka, Kansas. Visitation will be at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road, Topeka, Kansas, on Saturday, November 25, 2006, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The funeral service will be at Countryside on Sunday, November 26, 2006, at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be at Marion Cemetery, Marion, Kansas, on Monday, November 27, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. A time to meet with the family will be held at Valley United Methodist Church, Marion, Kansas, immediately after the burial. The family suggests donations in Joanne's name to Midland Hospice, Topeka; Countryside United Methodist Church, Topeka; or Valley United Methodist Church, Marion. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, Topeka, Kansas.
Joanne was born on July 28, 1936, to J.C. and Florence Dean in Lubbock, Texas. She graduated from Lubbock High School in 1954 and married Rev. David Rackley in 1956. Joanne and David had three children: Patricia Ann, John David, and Deana Carol. Five years after David's death, Joanne married Kenneth Forsyth in 1971. Ken bravely adopted Patti, John, and Deana shortly after. Joanne and Ken had one child, Matthew Kent.
Joanne studied organ at Texas Tech University and Southern Methodist University and completed her Bachelor's of Music degree at Wichita State University. She went on to complete her Master's of Music in Organ Performance at WSU. Joanne served as accompanist for many groups including the Texas All-State Choir (while still a student in high school), Kansas All-State Choir, Topeka Festival Singers, and Wichita Chamber Chorale. She most recently served as Director of Worship and Music at First Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas, from 1983-1988 and Countryside United Methodist Church in Topeka, Kansas, from 1991-2002. Joanne and Ken lived and ministered through their gifts in music in the towns of Marion, Salina, McPherson, Winfield, Wichita, and Topeka, Kansas.
Joanne is survived by her partner and best friend for 35 years, Ken; four children: Patti (Tom), John (Deborah), Deana (Don), and Matt (Angel); seven grandchildren: Joel, Leann, Katie, Rebecca, Joy, Reid, and Abbie; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Leonard (Beth) Rackley, Joe (Gloria) Rackley, Paula Henry, Don (Dianna) Forsyth, and Charles (Jodie) Forsyth; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
As long-time friend Roberta Lindly said, "Joanne possessed so many wonderful attributes. I never saw any evidence of jealousy toward other musicians, nor was there any conceit. In the sometimes cut-throat world of musicians, Joanne was a glowing example of 'do unto others as you would have them do to you.' To her family and friends, she gave understanding, warmth, compassion, guidance, humor, loyalty, and love."
To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.Penwell-Gabel.com
Joanne was born on July 28, 1936, to J.C. and Florence Dean in Lubbock, Texas. She graduated from Lubbock High School in 1954 and married Rev. David Rackley in 1956. Joanne and David had three children: Patricia Ann, John David, and Deana Carol. Five years after David's death, Joanne married Kenneth Forsyth in 1971. Ken bravely adopted Patti, John, and Deana shortly after. Joanne and Ken had one child, Matthew Kent.
Joanne studied organ at Texas Tech University and Southern Methodist University and completed her Bachelor's of Music degree at Wichita State University. She went on to complete her Master's of Music in Organ Performance at WSU. Joanne served as accompanist for many groups including the Texas All-State Choir (while still a student in high school), Kansas All-State Choir, Topeka Festival Singers, and Wichita Chamber Chorale. She most recently served as Director of Worship and Music at First Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas, from 1983-1988 and Countryside United Methodist Church in Topeka, Kansas, from 1991-2002. Joanne and Ken lived and ministered through their gifts in music in the towns of Marion, Salina, McPherson, Winfield, Wichita, and Topeka, Kansas.
Joanne is survived by her partner and best friend for 35 years, Ken; four children: Patti (Tom), John (Deborah), Deana (Don), and Matt (Angel); seven grandchildren: Joel, Leann, Katie, Rebecca, Joy, Reid, and Abbie; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Leonard (Beth) Rackley, Joe (Gloria) Rackley, Paula Henry, Don (Dianna) Forsyth, and Charles (Jodie) Forsyth; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
As long-time friend Roberta Lindly said, "Joanne possessed so many wonderful attributes. I never saw any evidence of jealousy toward other musicians, nor was there any conceit. In the sometimes cut-throat world of musicians, Joanne was a glowing example of 'do unto others as you would have them do to you.' To her family and friends, she gave understanding, warmth, compassion, guidance, humor, loyalty, and love."
To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.Penwell-Gabel.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joanne Forsyth, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, November 25, 2006
6:30 - 8:30 pm (Central time)
Countryside United Methodist Church
Service
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Starts at 2:30 pm (Central time)
Countryside United Methodist Church
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