Obituaries

Donald G. Forsman was born in Ballard on Sept. 2, 1935, one of ninw children of Edward and Helen Lindberg Forsman. He died unexpectedly Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, on his daily walk in Discovery Park. Don is survived by his wife of 45 years, Syrene; daughters Britt (Rick) Hedges and Siri (Ricky) Forsman-Sims; granddaughters Emma and Olivia Hedges; and siblings Vivian Ojala, Robert Forsman, and Arlene Crane, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Don's family moved to Tacoma in 1947 and he graduated from Stadium High School in 1953. Don was an outdoorsman and an inveterate traveler.

Ann Marie Garland, 73 of West Seattle died on January 12, 2007, in Las Vegas, NV, while visiting family for the holidays. She was planning on moving there in the spring time to live permanently with her daughter and son-in-law on their ranch. She lived in the Alki Beach area for approximately 50 years and was also a member of Holy Rosary Church.

"Annie' was loved by everyone. She was so full of caring and kindness.

February 11, 1917 - December 1, 2006

Long time West Seattle resident - Avid gardener - constructed numerous quilts which were sold to support Missionary endeavors through her church, after retiring from Skyway Luggage. Survived by sister Dorothy Lee, N. Dakota, daughters, Marilyn Potts (Carl) - Seattle, Jan Walker-Auburn, Karen Fletcher (Les)- Orting, and families. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. East Ridge Christian Assembly - West Seattle Campus, 4500 39th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116.

Listen to your heart. To the story of a most beautiful man born in to this world a fraternal twin 2 minutes apart from no ordinary love. He is one of a kind. Born of a very beautiful and most precious mom and a beautiful dad he never knew. Although he spent most of his life in mourning of both these losses, he strive to grow mature and persevered to find a life, love and to be blessed with a most beautiful child of his own and many many friends family and admirers who are at a loss without his beautiful eyes his big gazing smile and a most striking presence that no one ever dare forget.

Joanne Smithberg Lennon died suddenly at home in Juneau, Alaska on January 20, 2007 of natural causes. She was born June 25, 1932 in Bloomington Illinois, the eldest of six children of Raymond and Dorothy Flessner Vogel. She was raised in Toluca and Roanoke Illinois, graduating from Roanoke-Benson High School in 1950. She then went on to nursing school, graduating from St Joseph's School of Nursing in Bloomington in 1953.

She married Dudley Smithberg of Juneau, Alaska on January 17, 1955 and in September the first of their nine children was born.

Hoffman

September 22, 1935 -

January 11, 2007

Gerald Kent Hoffman, age 71, of Normandy Park, passed away suddenly on January 11, 2007, from a heart attack.

Jerry spent his first four years living in Ruble, Iowa, above a country store run by his parents, Elmer and Helen Hoffman. The family then moved to a farm in LeMars, near Sioux City, Iowa. He served two-years in the U.S. Army during which he was stationed at Fort Lewis. He fell in love with the mountains and scenery of Washington state, which eventually drew him back.

Nola Penhan died January 11, 2007.

She was born February 16, 1923, to Lois Osborn. She was raised by her grandparents and the Irwins in Bellingham.

Nola was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She tenderly cared for her family and friends, always having a kind word and a funny joke for everyone she met. She was an active church member, having taught Sunday school and participated in church sewing circles.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Calif., Betty passed away suddenly on January 15, 2007.

She graduated from San Francisco State University. While teaching in Lafayette, Calif., she married William "Bill" Bowman. They moved to Normandy Park in 1963. Betty taught in the Highline School District and then became a Systems Analyst for Boeing for 11 years.

Betty will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Marion D. Gates, 87, died January 8, 2007, in Des Moines, WA. She was born on June 24, 1919, in Kansas City, MO. The first half of Marion's life was difficult and painful, but the second half was her life's dream. In 1960 her life changed dramatically. She took a job as a sales clerk at the May Company department store and quickly worked her way up to assistant manager. She stayed there until she retired 25 years later. In 1961 she went to a square dance class and met Jack. On July 11, 1964, they were married and had a square dance reception.

Betty Jane Markwith died peacefully on Jan. 3, 2007, surrounded by her loved ones. Betty was born in Martinez, California in 1919 and moved to the Federal Way area with her family in the mid 1960's. Her accomplishments include singing and directing church choirs, retiring as a bus driver of the Federal Way School district, and her joy of painting. Grateful for having shared Betty's life are her children, Jennifer White and her husband Randy, Jeff Markwith and his wife Karen, 6 Grandchildren, 1 Great granddaughter, and many dear friends.