Dianna Ruth Forster, 87, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Mort" Forster in 2020.

She leaves behind one daughter Jamie Ann Loebenberg (nee Forster) and one son-in-law Raimar and grandson Charles Loebenberg, one niece and one nephew.

Dianna had a very long and full life.  She and Mort moved to Traverse City in the early 60's where she taught in TC schools and Mort practiced law.  In 1971, they purchased land on East Bay just south of Elk Rapids and they built their dream home with beach frontage and 8 acres of woods.

The big love of her life was politics.  She was actively involved in the Republican party in the 70's and 80's, hobnobbing with Representatives, Senators, Governor's and U.S. Presidents and First Ladies.

After Mort retired, they began to spend winters in Lake Havasu, AZ.  They rented the same condo and had a small motor boat to tool around on the Colorado river.

They also began the nautical phase of their life.  They bought a 39-foot boat (slept 6) and spent the next couple of decades boating all summer in the Great Lakes.  Dianna was First Mate, handled all the lines, navigator and galley boss.  When she was 79, she told Mort she couldn't handle the lines anymore in rough weather, so they sold the boat.

She soon after developed dementia and spent the remaining years of her life quietly with Mort until he passed and then at the wonderful French Manor Terra facility as her dementia progressed.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com