Barbara E. Forbes

Barbara “Barb” E. Forbes, 84, of Greenville, passed away June 15, 2022, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids.  Barbara was born December 2, 1937, in Lawrence, MI.,  the daughter of Aaga and Linda (Bresser) Bertelsen. In earlier years Barb graduated from Dowagiac High School and learned as a young woman, the value of hard work. She worked on the family farm near Keeler and later for several years she and her husband Dale owned and operated    Forbes  Farm Market near  Baldwin.   She was blessed with a good sense  of business, was never afraid to try new things to sell in their store, even getting a large pizza oven, to make and sell fresh baked pizza at a time when no one else offered this. She worked with countless area growers in helping them get their fruits and vegetables to market and was always willing to help those less fortunate. Many times, she would barter with a family that may not have had the cash to purchase groceries. She had a true love of people and was genuinely interested in what was going on in your life. Barb was a devoted wife and mother, ran a tight household, and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Barb is loved and survived by her children; Lynn (Betty) Forbes of Hart, Kim (Mike) Froese of Howard City, Julie (Brad) Petersen of Greenville, and Lee (Marion) Forbes of Greenville; 12 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Dale Forbes, parents, sisters Brenda and Charon, and brother Bruce.

In keeping with Barb’s wishes there will be no service.  Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home has been entrusted with her cremation services.  Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara E. Forbes, please visit our floral store.