Betty Ruth Forward, 94, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away on June 20, 2020 at Lifecare Center of Punta Gorda, FL. Betty was born in Fostoria, Ohio to Charles and Esther (Coppus) Smith on July 3, 1925. She graduated from West Elkton High School in West Elkton, OH in 1943. She is survived by her daughter Susan (Phil Brummel), son Douglas (Susan) and daughter Nancy; grandchildren Kathryn Gratza, Amanda Kunish, Michael Forward, Nathan Forward, Nicholas Forward, Adam Brummel, Kristen Roder and Dan Brummel; great granddaughters Reagan, Halle, Nora and Alexandra; seven nephews and nieces and their families. She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Robert W Forward and her younger brothers Donald and Richard Smith. Betty worked 14 years as a shipping manager for the Inland Division of General Motors before leaving for a rewarding career as a mother and wife. Later she worked for Ambassador Gift cards for several years and also did some real estate flipping. Betty was a determined person, proud and loving with a strong personality. Betty's long life was centered on Family, Faith, Friendship and Fun. Betty’s family of origin was close and loving. Growing up in the depression, her family grew much of their own food and canned it for the winter. They made the best of everything and were very grateful they had each other. She remained particularly close to her brothers throughout their entire lives. Their families would get together at least monthly for birthdays, travel together, and she would have lengthy phone calls with her brother Don every Sunday night. She was very close to her mother's large family and her Aunt Civilla in particular. Betty and Bob's marriage (1955) was filled with love and activity. They square danced and golfed together. They travelled together extensively, including many bicycle trips (Nova Scotia, Ireland, Great Britain and Germany) and much travel with family and friends. They had a lot of fun socializing with their friends. Betty was part of the mother’s club and enjoyed gardening, sewing, crocheting, reading and crossword puzzles, in ink. Betty spent loads of time with her children, New York nephews and later her grandchildren. She truly treasured this time. She took her children to activities and to the church pool. She frequently travelled to New York City and took her young nephews all over the city. She also travelled to Kansas City and had marvelous times with all of her grandchildren there. She was able to spend much time with her grandsons in Centerville just living life and having a great time. Betty attended and volunteered at Normandy church in Centerville, Ohio and at Burnt Store Presbyterian church in Punta Gorda, FL. She was a founding member of the Beta Group (1965) and later was a member of the Mariners Group. Church, church groups and church friends were a huge part of her and Bob's lives. Betty will be greatly missed.
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