LeeVon "Merrill" Foerstel

LeeVon Foerstel, 69, passed away of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) September 24, 2013 in Olympia, Washington. She was born January 27, 1944 to Lawrence and Lester Merrill in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a 1962 graduate of the PeEll High School. She worked as both a cook at Chehalis West Retirement and laborer at Weyerhaeuser/Mima Tree Nursery until retirement. Lee was the most incredible mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and partner. She was blessed with an open, accepting nature, willing to help and support those she loved in any way she could. Lee loved spending most of her spare time with her grandchildren and loved them with all her heart. She had the best of all worlds. She was able to live close to her oldest grandchild, Nickolas, in Washington State for most of his growing up years, and then was able to move to St. Thomas, USVI, to be with her youngest two grandchildren, Quin and Tia. She loved attending their sporting events. Lee also loved taking long walks on the beach with her boyfriend, Tom. Lee is survived by longtime partner, Tom Graham of Chehalis; sons, Kenneth Harle Foerstel III of St. Thomas, and Edward William (Amoi) Foerstel IV of St. Thomas; daughters, Jody Kay Foerstel of Tumwater, WA, and Tammy Ann (Jeff) Benson of Potosi, MO; grandchildren, Samantha Jo, Colby Alan, Nickolas Alan, Mikayla Ann, Edward William (Quin), and Tia Gabriella; brothers, Lawrence (Darlene) of Napavine, WA, Ed (Wanda) of PeEll, David of Doty, WA, Butch (Barb) of PeEll, Jim (Kerri) of Olympia; sisters, Billie Gladys (Merrill) Barr of Napavine, and Shelba Jean (Merrill) Carrithers of Medford, OR; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; and brother, Ervin (Gloria) Merrill. Lee was precious to her whole family and to anyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all. We love you Mom! – Kenneth, Edward, Jody and Tammy Memorial donations may be made to ALS/MDA. Please leave memories of Lee or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.