Marsha Forcum

Marsha Mary Forcum, 71, died at Kidron Bethel Village in Newton, KS on January 31, 2016. She was born on November 13, 1944 in Eureka, KS, the daughter of Harold and Elinor Forcum. Marsha grew up in Kansas. In her early years the Forcum family lived in a house with no electricity. It was there that her love for nature and the outdoors began. She enjoyed riding horses in her younger years, playing piano, singing, and has always been an avid reader. Marsha felt her biggest achievement was receiving “The Girl Achievement Award,” which was a county 4-H award. Marsha considered 4-H her education for life and direction. She was a member of the Harmony Sunflower 4-H Club in Greenwood County. Her club leader, Lois Andrew, was a great mentor to her. Marsha attended Harmony school for half of 1st grade before transferring to Piedmont where she attended 1st grade through her senior year of high school. She extended her education at Emporia State University and went on to Kansas University Medical Center to pursue a Nursing degree. While a nursing student, she attended several conventions with San Francisco and New York City being two of the highlights. In the 1980ʼs-1990ʼs Marsha raised her family in Springfield, MO. She had a passion for health education, and helped form the Health Education Center there in Missouri. At the HEC she also taught health education classes to kids in kindergarten through jr.  high school. She worked with Safe Kids and promoted child safety car seats and proper installation. Her passion for 4-H came to Springfield as she helped form a new 4-H club, and two of her own kids were able to be a part of the 4-H club experience. She was a sports mom- always encouraging her kids to be the best in the sport they were in. She watched many swim meets, tennis matches, and soccer and football games! She loved to travel and one of her highlights was a convention in Toronto, Canada. Marsha spent the last part of her life in Newton, Kansas. She enjoyed being a Kansas girl again. Marsha loved educating others, and cared deeply for her family and friends close to her. She stayed independent until the last month of her life, when she moved into Kidron Bethel Village. She enjoyed being a part of Shalom Mennonite Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother John Forcum. She is survived by her children, Curtis and (Annie) Wolfe, Wamego, KS; Marci and (Jeff)Waters, Highlands Ranch, CO; Justin and (Holly) Wolfe, Rogers, AR; two sisters: Janet Groninga, Manhattan, KS; Ardys Maxson, Clearwater, KS; grandchildren Ellee, Eli,Emery, Emil Wolfe; Mackenzie, Bayli Waters; Kennedy, Beckett Wolfe. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be from 4:30-6:30pm on Friday, Feb.12 at Shalom Mennonite Church with the Celebration of Life Service following at 6:30pm. Shalom Mennonite Church is located at 800 E. 1st Street, Newton, KS 67114.The graveside service will be Saturday, Feb. 13 at Star Cemetery at 4:00pm. Memorials: Shalom Mennonite Church, Petersen Family Funeral Home, Newton, KS.