Gerda Forsten

Gerda Lydia Forsten, age 95, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Friday morning, November 16, 2007 at the Rhea County Nursing Home. Gerda was born in Herold, Germany the daughter of the late Albin and Lydia (Fisher) Hecker and was also preceded in death by her husband Ernest John Forsten.

Gerda came to America at age 11 and had lived in Dayton since 1949. Gerda was a homemaker and enjoyed knitting, sewing and painting. She was a long time member of the Dayton First United Methodist Church and recently attended New Union Baptist Church with her son and daughter-in-law.

Gerda is survived by her son, Dr. Ernest A. (Ginger) Forsten of Dayton, three grandchildren, Michelle (Darrell) McGraw of Hixson, Stephen (Karen) Forsten of Knoxville and John Hayes (Elizabeth) Forsten of Alpharetta, GA, and seven great-grandchildren. Gerda was anxiously anticipating the birth of her first great-granddaughter in December.

Gerda is also survived by her daughter, Dorothy Forsten, grandchildren Scott and Kelly McKenzie and several great-grandchildren.

Funeral services and committal will be held Sunday afternoon at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Doug Brown and Dr. Danny Ruehling officiating. Burial will be next to her husband in Rhea Memory Gardens in Dayton.

The family is being served by the Vanderwall Funeral Home where they will receive friends Sunday after 2:00pm.

Please visit Gerda’s on-line guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com