FORREST, SARA LOUISE "SALLY", 81 , passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, at Hospice House of Olathe. Born on January 29, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Thomas C. and Mary (Waring) Livingston, Sally's early years were spent in Tulsa before her family moved to Joplin, Missouri. It was in Joplin that Sally grew up, attending and graduating from Joplin High School and later Joplin Junior College.

During her college years, Sally met William Forrest through her brother Bill, sparking a relationship that continued while she pursued her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Kansas State College in Pittsburg. This led to their marriage on July 11, 1964, in Joplin, Missouri.

The couple then moved to Illinois for Bill's first teaching job, where Sally dedicated her time to raising their children while working part-time at the local public library. Sally's love for planning and organization was evident, often leading Bill to ask, "OK, what's the plan?" This passion for planning extended into her professional life when she obtained a Library Sciences Certification and began working for Cowley County Community College Library. She later served as an Elementary Librarian in Winfield and subsequently in El Dorado, where she was the librarian for Grandview, Skelly, and Jefferson Elementary Schools. She retired from education after serving as the Elementary Librarian at Benton Grade School.

Sally's contributions to the libraries she worked in were immense. Known for her innovative ideas, she frequently attended library conferences, bringing back new concepts to enhance her schools' programs. Her dedication to literacy was exemplified when she organized author visits for her students and received the KAKE Reading Caravan award, with Susan Peters reading to her students.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sally was deeply involved in her community. She participated in the Butler County Community College Life Enrichment Program, served on the Bradford Library Board of Directors, and volunteered at SBA Hospital through the Auxiliary program and gift shop. Her commitment to service extended to her church, where she was a Deaconess visiting shut-in members, a member of the Ladies Circle, and the Director of the Awana Cubbies program while her grandchildren attended.

Sally's hobbies included sewing, quilting, collecting bears, and cheering for KU basketball. However, her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, always involved in her children's and grandchildren's activities, never missing a meet or match. Her family always knew they were in her thoughts and could rely on her unwavering support.

In her later years, Sally's love and dedication extended to caregiving for her mother, mother-in-law, and her husband Bill as his health declined. She instilled a love of literacy and culture in her children and grandchildren, leaving a lasting legacy.

Sally is survived by her children, Susan Forrest, Kathy (Jim) Shum, Bill (Sarah) Forrest, and Shery (TJ) Crater; grandchildren Blake Forrest, Gretchen Shum, Joshua Shum, Carter Forrest, and Baylee Crater; and siblings Becky Livingston, Jane (John) Fiore, and Steve Livingston. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Mary; her husband of nearly 60 years, Bill; and her brother Bill.

Friends may pay their respects on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a family visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 206 E. Central Ave., El Dorado. Due to construction we ask that you come to Heritage from North Vine and 1st or 2nd.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 315 W. Central Ave., El Dorado, officiated by Pastor Brad Cooper. Sally will be interred next to her beloved husband Bill at Sunset Lawns Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sally's memory may be made to Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital Foundation in memory of Sally Forrest for the SBAMH Auxiliary, 720 W. Central, El Dorado, KS 67042, or Partners in Education memo Elementary Library Fund, 124 W. Central Ave., El Dorado, KS 67042 or online at https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/PIE490/SForrest .