Marla (Lefert) Forsyth, 62, of rural Abilene departed from her earthly home on Friday, March 29, 2024, after fighting a courageous nearly five-year battle with stage four colon cancer with her family and friends faithfully by her side. Marla was born January 1, 1962, the daughter of Leo and Rosemary (Otto) Lefert. Marla was raised on the family farm in the rural community between Wakefield and Chapman. She was baptized at the Wakefield United Methodist Church. She attended grade school at Upland and graduated from Chapman High School with the class of 1980. Marla graduated from Cloud County Community College and while she was there met the love of her life Roger Forsyth. Marla went on to Kansas State University and graduated with a degree in Interior Design. Marla and Roger were married June 2, 1984, at the Wakefield United Methodist Church. Marla and Roger made their home on the Dickinson/Clay County line. Their son Daniel was born in 1987 and daughter Elizabeth was born in 1991.
Marla grew up as a 12-year-member of the Fragrant Hilltopper 4-H Club in Dickinson County She was a third-generation organizational leader for Fragrant Hill, behind her mother Rosemary and paternal grandfather Herman. Marla was very active in Dickinson County 4-H her entire life from being a 4-H member herself including earning her Key Award, being a club leader, Dickinson County 4-H Council Advisor, serving on the extension council and helping on many occasions on the club and county level. Marla was also an active member of the Industry Community Church where she had been a member since Roger and she were married and moved to the Industry community in 1984.
Marla’s first career passion was interior design. She was a furniture sales consultant at Kansas Home Furnishings in Abilene for 8 years before moving to Orr’s Furniture City in Clay Center for 15 years. Marla’s second career was with Green Team Cars then later Friesen Dodge Chrysler Jeep and Ram in Clay Center for 16 years. Marla retired in April 2023. She continued to stay connected with many of her customers who became friends due to Marla’s ability to touch people’s lives in often tangible ways, and a genuine caring attitude that went above and beyond her job duties.
Her grandsons Easton and Paulson were Marla’s greatest joy. She enjoyed spending retirement with the boys and spending time at the home that she had lovingly cared for while raising her family and being hospitable to her friends and nearby extended family. She enjoyed hosting family and friends and continuing traditions.
Marla leaves behind her husband Roger, they would have celebrated 40 years of marriage this June; son Danny and his children Easton and Paulson; daughter Elizabeth Perks and husband Thomas; mother Rosemary Lefert; sister Nancy Kohman (Steve) and their children Megan Bieberle (Malik), Sarah Kohman (Alex), Kyle Kohman; brother-in-law JW Forsyth (Ronda); aunts Linda Lefert and Evelyn Otto; cousins Scott Otto (Darla) and children; Sandy Smith (Roger); Jennifer Schley (Kent) and children; Justin Lefert (Becky) and children; Loran Lefert (Samantha) and children and many dear friends. Marla was preceded in death by her grandson Kaysen Forsyth; father Leo Lefert; in-laws John and Imogene Forsyth; and uncles Gary Lefert and Dean Otto.
The family will receive friends and family on Tuesday, April 2nd from 5-7 PM at the Wakefield Methodist Church in Wakefield, KS. Services will be held Wednesday, April 3rd at 10 AM at the Wakefield Methodist Church, Wakefield, KS. Marla’s final resting place will be at Athelstane Cemetery.
Memorials in her name may be made to the Dickinson County 4-H Foundation or Meadowlark Hospice and may be sent in care of Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, KS 67410.
