Joy Ann Forster, 79, Richardton, died Sunday, April 27, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. Joy’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Abbot Brian Wangler, OSB as the celebrant. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan on Monday at 12 p.m., CDT. Visitation will be on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, and will continue at the church from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a rosary & vigil at 8 p.m. a the church on Friday.

Joy Ann Keller was born on May 12, 1934 to Walter and Margaret (Schmitz) Keller at Mandan. She was raised in New Salem, where she graduated from high school and went on to nursing school in Dickinson, attaining her LPN degree.

She married Richard Forster on April 4, 1956 in New Salem, moving to Richardton where they raised seven children.

Her loving family includes her children: Mark (Crystal) Forster, Bismarck; Kurt ( Rosa Celia) Forster, Mira Loma, Calif.; Karla (Scott) Larson , Dickinson; Mardell (Roger Kolling) Forster, Bismarck; Jayme (Cindy) Forster, Moorhead, Minn.; Lisa (Kurt) Carney; Lou Ann (Rob) Shepherd, Devils Lake; 12 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister Margo (Quentin) Gross, Concord, N.C.; one sister-in-law Sharron Keller, Bismarck; one brother- in- law Lloyd Riggins, Sidney, Mont.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard on February 22, 1998, also one sister, one brother, one grandson, and two nephews.

Joy worked at the Richardton Hospital for 40 years, upon retirement from nursing she owned and managed the Elkhorn Bar with Richard for 18 years from 1981-1998.

During Joy’s life she was very active in various areas of community service such as, American Legion Auxiliary where she held various positions. She sang in the St. Mary’s Church Choir for over 50 years, joined the Christian Mothers in 1981, volunteering at Camp Recreation, 4-H leader, Homemakers and RSVP. She was instrumental in starting the Bone Builders Exercise Group.

Joy never wanted to bother people with any of her problems, but to pester them to play cards or going “South” for a few hours!

Joy experienced many wonderful times with her family and nursing friends at Lake Tschida during the summer. No one was left behind…… and she always had room for an extra friend during these outings.

Anyone who has experienced a “hug” from her will truly miss them. They could make you cry or make you smile, either way you felt the comfort of her love!