Kathleen Forte

Elna Kathleen Forte was born on February 26, 1929 in Diggins, Missouri to Jimmy Shaver and Laura (Sweet) Shaver.  After she graduated from high school, Kathleen taught elementary school grades 1-8 at Seymour, Mo.

Kathleen married Salvatore Forte on June 1, 1952 in Fordland, Missouri. They had celebrated sixty-eight years together this past summer.  They lived at Stanton Island, NY after their wedding for a short time before returning to Missouri where they made their home in Mansfield.

Kathleen earned her bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State in Springfield and a Master’s Degree in Education from Drury University in Springfield.  She was an elementary teacher for the Mountain Grove School district till her retirement. Her love of reading, education and Missouri history lead her to volunteer at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum in Mansfield which lead to her managing the home.  

Kathleen was a member of the Eastern Star and the Church of Christ in Branson.  She enjoyed taking care of her home, decorating and searching out antiques.  She was also talented in painting and loved to quilt and crochet.

Kathleen entered into rest on Friday, September 11, 2020 at the age of 91.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Jeanette and Donna.

Kathleen is survived by her husband Sal Forte of Branson and daughter Ellie Forte of Branson.

Kathleen will be interred in Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield at 9:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.  Arrangements are under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Directors, Branson.

In Kathleen's memory, donations are requested to Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum, 3060 State Hwy A, Mansfield, MO 65704.

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