Marie A. Forker

Creal Springs- Marie A. Forker, 76, of Creal Springs, passed away at 10:17 PM, Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at Herrin Hospital. Marie was born on January 23, 1940 in Trenton, NJ to Thomas and Elizabeth (Patricella) Bernhardt.  She married Robert Forker in 1981 in California and he preceded her in death in April of 2011. Mrs. Forker was retired after working many years as a bartender, first for 10 years at the VFW in Levittown, PA and most recently at the Vienna VFW. She was Episcopalian and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the VFW Cooties, and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Creal Springs.  In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, crocheting, cooking and craftwork.  She was the number one Pittsburgh Steelers Fan and never missed a Monday night Bingo at the Marion KC Hall. Survivors include- Daughter- Nancy Haws and husband Cleveland of Creal Springs Son- Kenneth Benjamin and wife Kim of Levittown, PA Daughter- Marie Merico and husband David of Trenton, NJ Son- Robert Forker of Creal Springs Daughter- Pearl Forker of Nevada, OH Son- Paul Forker of Creal Springs Fourteen Grandchildren Twenty Two Great Grandchildren Brother- Richard Gafgen and wife Rita of Tuckerton, NJ Sister- Jean Rogers of Chattanooga, TN Sister- Ruth Cook and husband Harry of Trenton, NJ Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two stillborn children, granddaughter- Elizabeth Shelton, four brothers and one sister. A celebration of Marie’s life will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 12pm-3pm at the Creal Springs VFW.  Memorial arrangements were made at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Memorial donations are suggested to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ 1704 N. Court/ Marion, IL  62948.  For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.bluefuneralhome.com.