Forbes, Forrest R.

Forrest Ree Forbes, age 84 of Missoula, Montana died August 15, 2012 and is now with her heavenly Father.

Ree was born October 8, 1927, at White Sulphur Springs, Montana to Forest E. and Pearl Louise (Parker) Brown. The family moved to the Yakima Valley, Washington when she was 8 years old. She was raised in Toppenish, Washington and graduated from Toppenish High School in 1945. She and her parents returned to Montana in 1954. On May 19, 1956 she married Julian Irving Forbes and his son, 5 year old Mark, in Billings,Montana. They resided in Helena and raised their family of 3 boys there.

Once her “greatest joys” were raised, Ree returned to the work force where she was employed as a legal secretary and financial administrative assistant.

She had a fierce love of tennis that began in high school and continued with her into the senior bracket. She was famous for “always being where her opponents didn’t want her to be”. Ree was awarded many trophies including Montana State Champion.

Ree and friends enjoyed numerous outdoor activities including cross-country skiing, Volksmarches in multiple states and hunting for giant puffballs and the elusive morel.

She was active in volunteer organizations like the Red Cross and survived a tour as a Cub Scout Den Mother.

 Ree was also an avid reader, gifted seamstress and possessed talents in knitting, crocheting and numerous arts and crafts. Her needlepoint skills are on display at the State Capital on one of the seat cushions.  She also took part in social activities like the Here and There Club and for several years attended Women’s Week at Montana State University.

Ree is survived by sons Mark Alan Forbes and wife Connie of Helena, Montana; Ward Lee Forbes and Lynn Forrest Forbes, both of Missoula, Montana. Also surviving are grandchildren Michael, Allison and Luke; great grandchildren Cayleigh, Betty and Mckenzie and many special nieces and nephews.

 Husband, Julian, and her mother and father Forest and Pearl Brown precede her in death, as well as sisters; Wilda Bushnell and LaRene Edgmond.

 A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at St Paul’s United Methodist Church in Helena and a private burial will be held in White Sulphur Springs at a later date. In lieu of flowers, she requested donations to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, American Heart Association, The Humane Society, or charity of choice. Garden City Funeral Home of Missoula is assisting with Missoula arrangements and Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home of Helena is assisting with the Helena arrangements. Please visit: www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Ree.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

1:00 P.M.

Saturday September 15, 2012

St. Paul's United Methodist Church

512 Logan

Helena, MT 59601

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