Vergie Forrester

Vergie Marie Forrester, 96, of Niles followed her spiritual faith until Christ our Lord took her into his loving arms on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Spectrum Health Lakeland, Niles.

A funeral service will be held 11 AM Friday, July 2, 2021 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman. Friends may meet with the family 5 - 7 PM Thursday, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Ruggles Cemetery, Baroda. Memorial contributions may be given to Hearing Loss Association of America. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com

Vergie was born October 14, 1924 in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of the late Homer and Elsie Brenner. On December 2, 1945 she married Neal Forrester in Craighead Co. Arkansas and they shared 66 years together. Vergie was active for many years at the Baroda Church of God and was one of the founding members of the congregation. During the war years, she worked at New Products in Benton Harbor. Later, after her children were grown, she worked for the Lakeshore School District as a cook at Baroda Elementary for several years. She always loved to cook and bake; it was only fitting that she would do that as her job. She made the best pies and cakes. There was one her family favorite Apple Pie slices. After retirement, she and Neal enjoyed many winters in the Ochochobee area of Florida. In her years of retirement, she spent many hours making beautiful quilts for her family and quilts for gifts. She loved Bible Study and reading in general. Vergie has been a faithful mother and wife and would always show the love of God to her children and others that were around. As her children, we are so thankful to have a mother like Vergie.

Vergie is survived by her children: Mary Jacquelyn (Steve) Shaffer, Neal Jr (Bonnie) Forrester and Judy (Neale) Weeks; six grandchildren: Carissa, Kami, Carole, Jim, Brad, and Bryan; thirteen great grandchildren; sister: Edith Caroline Marutz; half-sisters: Wanda Simmons, Zelma Scott and Nina McKinney; and half-brother: Leonard Scott.

Vergie was also preceded in death by her husband, Neal in 2012; sisters: Louise Golden and Leona Rozell; and brother: John Brenner.