Viona Forst

Viona Sickels Sandage Forst was born February 10, 1926 in Kellerton, Iowa, the daughter of E. G. and Isabel (Nye) Sickels. She was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area. Viona welcomed her daughter, Ann, age 6, into her life through the Annie Wittenmyer Orphans’ Home. During her working years, she was employed as the corporate accountant for Pepsi Cola Bottling in West Des Moines. She was very well loved and remembers her retirement party fondly. Viona was extremely talented. She enjoyed sewing and created countless beautiful hand-sewn quilts. She was a fabulous cook and a mathematical genius. But above all, Viona was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

God took Viona home Saturday, September 27, 2014. She was 88 years old. She is survived by her daughter Ann Pilcher (Mike), grandchildren Matthew Pilcher (Anna) and Casandra Pilcher (Dave), and great-grandchildren Maximus, Autumn, Jacob, Isaac and Callista.

She is reunited in death with her family with whom she was always very close: her parents, nine brothers and one sister. She is also preceded in death by her husbands, Weldon Sandage and Harmon Forst.

Viona’s family will celebrate her life privately with a graveside service to be held at a later date. No public services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Des Moines Chapter.

Condolences may be left on-line at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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