Esther R. Forsbeck

Esther Ruth Forsbeck passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, at the age of 82.

Esther was born on January 8, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee to Edwin and Beatrice (Kirby) Roswell. Esther grew up with two older brothers, Charles and Edwin and a younger sister, Beatrice. The Roswell family eventually moved to West Long Branch, New Jersey because of the father Edwin’s service in the United States Coast Guard. She went through school in West Long Branch and graduated from high school in 1959.

During her school years Esther got involved in 4-H and developed a life long passion of sewing. Throughout her life she would put her sewing talents to use making things for family and friends. From placemats and curtains to prom gowns, Esther could make it.

In January 1962 Esther threw caution to the wind and went on a blind date at Air Lanes in Wyckoff, NJ. Her date was Gary Forsbeck. From this, a love grew that lasted for over 58 years. Esther and Gary married July 8, 1962 in Ft. Monmouth, NJ.

Esther and Gary moved to Kansas City, MO in May 1963. Here they were blessed with three children, Corissa, Rebecca, and Matthew.

In Kansas City, Esther was employed over the years. She spent a few years working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reviewing projects. Gold Standard Corporation was employment that had her selling precious metal coins and bullion. She spent the majority of her working years employed by JC Penney, taking catalog orders in the call center and retiring after 20 plus years.

Esther enjoyed passing along her love of cooking to her kids, but just wouldn’t share the Mrs Ghadetti spaghetti recipe! Her love of sewing and quilting was lovingly shared with Corissa and Rebecca. She enjoyed hiking, camping and canoeing.

Esther lived her life in service to others. She was involved in Campfire Girls, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts with their three kids. She spent over 20 years serving Calvary Lutheran Church on the altar guild. During the children’s school years she devoted many years to outfitting school kids with choir robes.

Esther was predeceased by her husband Gary, parents Edwin and Beatrice Roswell and sister Beatrice. She is survived by her brothers Charles Roswell, wife Barbara, Madison, GA; Edwin Roswell III, Lincroft, NJ; her children Corissa Dean, husband Tim, Griswald, IA, 3 children, 2 great grandchildren; Rebecca Moore, husband David, Cole Camp, MO, 3 children, 3 great grandchildren; Matthew Forsbeck, wife April, 6 children, 5 great grandchildren.

Esther Forsbeck loved to serve others and touched many lives. If someone was in need of help with any sewing project she was ready to help with needle and thread. Esther was a devoted follower of Christ. Her love for Gary, their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews was always known.

You and dad are together again! We love you and will see you again with Christ on that glorious day!

Visitation will be 12PM, with services to follow at 1PM, Saturday, July 6 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 7500 Oak St., Kansas City, Missouri; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.