Enclosed here is her favorite poem and a note about it directly from Babe. She would want you to have it for your family. She never knew a stranger, and everyone was her friend for she always lived by the Golden Rule. One of her favorite passages was on a card at her bedside this past year. Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches, and high esteem, than gold and silver. This is her legacy she would wish to pass on to you:
Friends
I think that God will never send,
A gift more precious than a friend,
A friend who always understands,
And fills each need as it demands.
Whose loyalty will stand the test,
When skies are bright or overcast.
Who sees the faults that merit blame,
But keep on loving just the same.
Who does far more than creeds could do,
To make us good, to make us true.
Earth’s gifts a sweet contentment lend,
But only God can give a friend.
This poem was written by a Rebecca Lodge lady in Pampa, Texas about 1940. My mother, Sarah Goble was a member of the lodge, and this poem was in one of her autograph books. Through the years it has been one of my favorite poems.
Velma G. Foertsch
Velma was born on a farm in Middlesex Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania to the late Darrel R.G. and Sarah E. Goble. She graduated from Perry High School, Pittsburgh PA, class of 1950. She also attended classes with, and was a member of Professional Secretaries International. Velma wore many hats throughout her career and personal life. She worked as a clerk at a hardware store in Pittsburgh and as a Telephone Operator. She conducted her own business as a bookkeeper for several general contractors/builders, worked as a clerk in the Family Court of Wilmington, Delaware, and for Columbia Gas as an executive secretary.
Velma was a Master Mason in the Universal Co-Masonry Masonic Obedience. She was a member of the Daughters of American Revolution, Worthington Chapter, was a member of the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association for many years, a member of Heeeethin Heights and the Widowmakers Muzzleloading clubs where her nickname was ‘Swamplady’, was a Girl Scout leader in the early 1970s, She was active in the churches of which she was a member including that of church secretary and Choir Director’s wife.
Velma was a loving wife and mother. Her father nicknamed her "Babe," and she lived up to it. ‘Babe’ enjoyed reenacting with her daughter. Though she didn’t think of herself as an artist, she produced some beautiful paintings and objects in various mediums to decorate her house. She enjoyed reading and doing crosswords instead of sitting idly. She enjoyed traveling to various historic sites and locations across the country. She loved being in the living history camps where her daughter took her for reenacting or competitive muzzleloading. In her words, she said “I’m always ready for a trip and have itchy feet.”
In addition to her parents, Velma ‘Babe’ was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Robert H. Foertsch. She said he was her everything. In her words, "I can’t imagine loving another man, none can compare…” Also preceding her in death were her parents and her sister, Marjorie L. Goble. Many more of her nieces and nephews also preceded her in death.
Velma ‘Babe’ is survived by her daughter, Darylee (Daniel McAfee) Foertsch; her extended family; Barbara Nestler, Russ Pollitt, Ed Pollitt, Fred Foertsch, Paula Brown, Dawn Haulf, Robin Jester, Michelle Hartman, Bonnie Cadman, Jan Linzman, Karen Bontrager, Debbie Elder, Darla Federinko, Bill Erwin, and many friends.
The family will welcome friends at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 5554 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229 on Friday, March 3rd, 2023, 4 PM-6 PM visitation with service at 6 PM for a Celebration of Life. Guests are welcome to wear historic clothing or uniforms of whatever century/time they choose. Our good friend, Retired United Methodist Pastor and Historical Storyteller Fred Shaw will deliver the eulogy. The ceremony will be webcast.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Universal Co-Masonry Box 70, Larkspur, CO 80118 or National Muzzleloading Rifle Association (NMLRA) PO Box 67, Friendship, IN 47021, or Central Ohio Fire Museum, 260 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215, or for a live plant fund, send to Muddy Flint Trades, c/o Darylee Foertsch, PO Box 340853, Columbus, OH 43234.
If you want to give flowers, please select plants that can be planted outside in the 6/7 zone of Ohio in lieu of fresh-cut flowers if at all possible. Gift certificates for landscaping plant growers would be welcome as well. Each will be planted around the home in a permanent memorial for both Babe and Bob Foertsch.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5