Neva Nancy Forster

Forster – Neva Nancy (Ketchum) Forster, age 93, passed away at home on August 10, 2025, in Callahan, Florida. She was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma on April 20, 1932, to Charles and Neva Ketchum. Neva married Walter Martin Forster, II on April 6, 1952. They were happily married for 63 years. She worked as a receptionist for a Jacksonville physician for five years and then for King Edward Cigars in the international transportation and distribution department for fifteen years. Neva later retired to assist in the operation of the family business, Forster Construction. She was an accomplished pianist, and an opera trained vocalist. Neva enjoyed pet birds and in 1991 started a large breeding aviary of exotic birds.  In 2000, Neva sold her bird breeding business and she and Walter purchased an RV.  They traveled the United States together and with friends for ten years. Neva was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; children, Anthony John Forster, Paul Louis Forster, and Rosemary Elizabeth Costescu. 

Neva is survived by her children, Walter M. Forster, III (Jean) and Neva Forster Bond (Ron Conlee); 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren whom she loved and cherished; along with her African Grey Parrot, “Chica”.

The tribute above was prepared by Neva’s loving family.

A Celebration of Neva’s Life will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Bay Funeral Home with Pastor Ken Barney officiating. Interment will follow at Jones Cemetery, 45111 Jones Cemetery Road Callahan, FL 32011. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care and direction of CEDAR BAY FUNERAL HOME, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32218. (904) 714-1110. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Neva Nancy Forster, please visit our floral store.