Sally Lynn Block Forrester

Sally Lynn Block Forrester was born August 13, 1981 in Sibley, Iowa to Mike and Shari Block. She was baptized into the Catholic Faith, with Godparents being Michael Doeden and Sharon Tjaden. Her childhood revolved around being a “farm girl”, playing with her siblings and cousins, exploring the world in northwest Iowa. She grew into an outgoing young lady playing sports in school and gaining many friendships.

Sally graduated from Sibley-Ocheyedan High School in the year 2000 and Iowa State University in 2003 with a major in sociology and a minor in criminal justice. She began her social work career in central Iowa while still in college. This path led her into serving others through child welfare and juvenile justice, and working for Polk County in public assistance programs.

In 2004, Sally met Kelly Forrester while they both worked at the Polk County Juvenile Detention Center in Des Moines, and were married June 3, 2006. They have two boys, Blake Irven and Cole Lawrence (Coley Bear). The family moved from Des Moines to Grimes in 2012.

Sally was a strong and confident woman whose actions exemplified her beliefs, living her life fully, leading others by example and loving others as she did so. She taught Sunday School at Assumption Catholic Church in Granger, Iowa and lived her Faith in God and convictions each day. Her family was her life – as a loving wife to Kelly, and as a “Hall of Fame” mother and avid sports mom to Blake and Cole. Her siblings and extended family knew her for the rock and anchor that she was, always being the person who could be relied upon and trusted. A testimony to her life is also found in her many friends and relationships, and the lives she touched. She was so many things to so many people – the list is without end.

Sally is survived by her husband of ten years, Kelly Forrester; sons, Blake, age 8 and Cole, age 5; mother and step-father, Shari and Tony Batcheller of Urbandale, Iowa; father, Michael Block and wife of Sibley, Iowa; grandparents, Irven and Judy Block of Ashton, Iowa and Erma Winter of Sibley, Iowa; siblings, Matthew and Crystal Block of Spencer, Iowa, Bradley and Lisa Block of Sibley, Iowa, Paige and Parker Edgington of Prairie City, Iowa, Karra (Batcheller) and Aron Sogor of Budapest, Hungary, Bridget Block of Archer, Iowa, Brooke Block, Megan Block, Michaela Block, and Michael Block Jr. of Sibley, Iowa; father-in-law, Jim Forrester of Des Moines, Iowa; brother-in-law, Shawn (Kim) Forrester of Ankeny, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Cassandra Cass of San Francisco, California. Sally has a large family with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandpa, Lawrence Ney; grandpas, Arthur Doeden and Harm Winter; niece, Peyton Block; and brother-in-law, Corey Forrester.

An excerpt from a letter titled “The Sally I Know”, written by Sally’s uncle Bob Alexander, included the following passage and exemplifies the Sally we all know and love…

“I see her sitting with God in Heaven, feeling that she is in a bind trying to tell Him what needs to be done for those of us left behind. God says, Sally your work on earth is done, you labored hard to do your best. Sit back, relax, and let Me do the rest. Sally frowns, then agrees – she knows God’s plan is best for friends and family. But then, Sally says to God, now that I am here can I help you get everyone ready to be with us someday? God frowns and then smiles. Okay, let’s get started today.”

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 11, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa and the funeral Mass on Friday, August 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 1906 Sycamore St. in Granger, Iowa. Burial will be at Sunny Hill Cemetery in Grimes, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print