Grace Forsgren Houser

Grace Bernadine Forsgren-Houser passed from this life November 8, 2017 in her home. She was born March 4, 1917, in Fort Smith, to the late Jim and Grace Boyd, with two loving brothers, Bill and Dubby Boyd. In 1934, she graduated from Fort Smith High School before attending Tulsa School of Business. Her brothers were called to duty during WWII, and she returned home to be with her family.

During the war, she worked at the Exchange Office at Fort Chaffee. It was at this time she met the love of her life, Gene Forsgren, and married in 1946. They raised two beautiful children, Suzanne and Michael Forsgren. The Forsgren's spent their time with family and friends enjoying Supper Club dinners, boating on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, and visiting their father at Forsgren Brothers Construction Company. She was a founding member of PEO Chapter AS, and attended First United Methodist Church since 1936. After Gene's death in 1965, she worked at Merchants National Bank and retired as Assistant Vice President of Operations on May 31, 1986, which was declared Bernie Forsgren Appreciation Day. Her retirement was filled serving the church, volunteering at local hospitals, visiting friends, and spending time in her garden. During this time, Jerry Houser, a life-long friend, and Bernie married and spent their days traveling, telling stories and sharing laughs. In 100 years of life, she celebrated many cherished memories and shared them often with family and friends. She left this world to take her Heavenly journey surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Michelle Glidewell and husband Jamie of Fort Smith; her great-grandchildren, Courtney Glidewell of Fort Smith and Katy Carriger and husband Garrett of Hot Springs.

A memorial service will be 11:00am Monday, November 13, 2017 in Fort Smith First United Methodist Church Sanctuary. The family will greet friends from 1:00 to 3:00pm Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Edwards Funeral Home. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jamie Glidewell, Garrett Carriger, Jim Glidewell, Nick Glidewell, Bruce Pyland and Matthew Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be PEO Sisters of Chapter AS and members of the Gleaners Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith, 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901, PEO Chapter AS, c/o Sandy Parker, 604 Wofford Lake Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72916, or Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches, P.O. Box 3964, Batesville, Arkansas 72503.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com