Michele Charleen (Lane) Forge

Michele Charleen (Lane) Forge, 63, Leavenworth, Kansas, passed away Feb. 23, 2021. Michele was born Jan. 5, 1958, in Townsend, Montana, to Leo and Florence (Smet) Lane. Michele grew up on a cattle ranch in Three Forks, Montana, with her five sisters and one brother. Growing up, she enjoyed riding horses, participating in sports and playing her guitar.

Following in her mother's footsteps, Michele along with her sisters, attended Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas. There she earned her elementary education degree in 1980. She was also involved in music ministry. Michele married David Forge on July 12, 1980, and they raised their four children in Leavenworth, Kansas, where their home was always welcoming of friends and family. Of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of her children and grandchildren. In addition, she was a beloved second-grade teacher at Lansing Elementary for 33 years. She was committed to her faith and was very proud to lead the children's choir for many years. Her smile was infectious and she knew no stranger. Michele's energy and positivity will be greatly missed.

Michele is preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Flo Lane, and in-laws, Herman J. and Eleanor Forge.

Surviving family includes her husband, David Forge, of the home; four children, Luke Forge, Edwardsville, Kansas, Rebecca Evans (Michael), St. Joseph, Missouri, Michaela Schattle (Bobby), Plano, Texas, and Kerianne Nash (Greg), Basehor, Kansas; six grandchildren, Lucy, Oliver, Augie and Mae Evans and Cecilia and Mary Clare Schattle; six siblings, Monica Guenther-Anderson (Terry), Mary Olson (Jerry), Margy Laird (Jim), Melinda Walls, Leo Lane (Kari) and Melanie Wilcox (Shawn), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation beginning with praying of the rosary was held Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial was held Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Glenn Snow as celebrant. A memorial will be held in Three Forks on June 5, 2021. The family has requested memorials be made to the scholarship fund at the University of Saint Mary in Michele's name. Love and prayers.