Rayla Jo Forston

Rayla Jo Forston, 65, passed away at 9:40 am on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at her residence.

Rayla was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, IL on July 10, 1960, to George R and Beverly J (Patton) Forston. She married David Suslee in 1979 in Nokomis, and they later divorced. She was a member of the Witt Christian Church and lived a life full of love with her dog, Rocco. However, there was nothing more special and cherished than her granddaughters. They were her everything.

Rayla is survived by her mother and best friend, Beverly Hazdra; her daughter-in-law Sarah (Danny) McNeely, of Taylorville; her granddaughters, Fiona and Thea Suslee, and Delilah McNeely; her sisters Lenya (Dale) Richardson, of GA, Deborah (Butch) Schneider, of Waterloo, IL; her brothers, Mark Hazdra of Nokomis, and Mike Hazdra of Taylorville; her niece, Sarah Jo (Daniel) Jackson, of GA; and nephew, Chase (Autumn) Richardson, of GA.

In addition to her father, George Forston, Rayla was preceded in death by her son, Japeth Suslee; her brother, Martin Forston; and her step-father, Robert Hazdra.

A visitation will be held Friday, October,10th at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. In Celebration of her Life, a memorial Service will be following at the funeral home with Pastor Brian Patton officiating.  

Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and a private family burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Witt Christian Church.

Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis is assisting the Family.

Online condolences can be made at stiehldawsonfh.com

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