Elaine Marie Forbes

Elaine Forbes was born outside of Bloomfield Nebraska on May 7 1925, there was no hospital so she was born at home on a farm. Elaine was the 3rd child of Ralph and Hilda Hall, there were 8 children. She and all 7 siblings all went to a one room schoolhouse in the country. Elaine later taught school in a one room schoolhouse. When she got married to Roy Forbes, they lived on a farm, when they sold the farm they went to Spencer Nebraska where they bought out a grocery store, R&E Grocery was born. The store would stay open late on Friday and Saturday night so that after the bar closed, people could come pick up their groceries. The big memory mom had was when it was banana season, she made a lot of banana bread with the bananas that were too ripe to sell. With 3 growing boys Elaine made 10 loaves of bread a week, and if you have had the pleasure of Elaines homemade bread, you know why they ate so much. After a few years in the store, they sold in 1960 moved north of Park Rapids, MN to another farm. That is when Coleen graced the Forbes clan. Then in 1974 moved to Phoenix Arizona where they said Roy would get relief from arthritis. Elaine would try anything for Roy to get relief, BUT she thought moving to Arizona would be sand, cactus and snakes – she was so surprised about all that Arizona offered and she always teased her older sister Syvilla about Arizona being God’s Country – of course Syvilla would call in the summer and ask Elaine how God’s Country was while she was in MN loving the summers.

After moving to Phoenix, Elaine worked in the kitchen at a Dear Valley School until they moved to Cottonwood, Arizona in 1978. Elaine helped Roy build a total of 3 houses while in Cottonwood. Elaine worked at Our Little Blessing Bookstore for a few years. Elaine spent many hours volunteering with Girl Scouts, took people to the store, doctor appointments and church, mind you some of them were younger than Elaine. Elaine was an incredible cook and any who came by there was always a seat at the table. While living in Phoenix they had bought into a 55 and above park not realizing this it was over a year later that someone asked how they were able to come in with Coleen in tow – Elaine stated they must have thought Coleen was a visiting grandchild. All holidays Elaine would invite all the single people from the park for holiday dinner. There was never a holiday where there were 3 or 4 tables of people enjoying a homecooked meal.

If you lived in Elaines neighborhood, you would see her walking every day for 3 miles – she would get up early and walk and walk. The back Dr. stated that it was one of the reasons she was so mobile in her older years is all the walking she did. Many people joined her over the years but the best years were when Helen Byrd walked with her every day. Elaine drove until she was 94 ½ - when she decided to give up her license before something happened and she was blamed. Our family has always said we would drive her anywhere…..next time we will make sure we get their schedule before we promise that – it took 3 people and sometimes friends to get her to all her activities. Church, care group, ladies luncheon, dr appointments and more. Elaine loved a Sunday drive to see the new construction around the area – many times she wanted to go to Flagstaff the back way to look for Elk. Mingus Mountain was her favorite mountain ever! Elaine wanted to watch how Cottonwood was growing and changing so you could always find her in the passenger seat taking side roads to see what new building was happening around. Boy did she love it when the passenger seat got hydraulics so she could get higher in the seat and see everything and then the sun visor actually worked.

Throughout her remarkable journey, she wore many hats—her roles as a dedicated farmer, a successful grocery store owner, a loving sister, and a devoted wife defined her spirit of resilience and hard work.Elaine was renowned for her remarkable talent in crafting homemade ornaments each year, bringing joy and unique treasures to every family member. Her famous homemade caramel corn became a holiday staple, continuing to sweeten hearts and create memories during Christmas gatherings. A gifted crocheter, quilter, and seamstress, Elaine infused warmth and beauty into her creations, offering comfort not only through her crafts but through her unwavering kindness and generosity.Her home, a reflection of her meticulous spirit, was always free of weeds, showcasing her dedication to maintaining a lovely yard that complemented her artistic style. Those who knew Elaine will remember her laughter, her creative flair, and the love she imparted through every stitch, brushstroke, and delicious treat.Elaine's greatest pride came from her family; Carol was Elaines oldest child and the apple of everyone’s eye. Carol was born with Cerebral Palsy but had the most incredible mind and sense of humor. Carol passed in 1997, Elaine never got over her passing.Dale Forbes is the oldest son and married to Donna, they had 3 boys Eugene ‘Gene’, Terry and Scott – all 3 grandsons still live in MN. Gene has a son Cole, Terry and Connie had 3 kids, Kyle, Megan and Jaque and Shawn, and 2 Grand kids, Scott has 2 girls Ava and Ally.

Darrel Forbes comes next with 4 Girls – Kathy and Earl have a son Angus, Kelly and Vinny have 4 children Tony, Vanessa, Louie and Gino - Kelly tried to copy her grandma having Gino later – she was still younger than Grandma with her last child., Kristin and Ben are next and the youngest is Kaylynn and Matt. Can you believe 4 girls!!! Darrel and Donna Rea still live in Minnesota.

Next comes Rod “Howdy” Forbes and is married to Rose. Rod and Rose had Jennfer married to Justin and have Lilly, Jessie is married to Vanessa, Jessie is the proud father of Alyssa, Kamber and Aveya.

Coleen is still the youngest and is married to Mike Gilboy. They have Stephanie and Michael, Michael is married to Caroline. along with a legacy of love that spans generations, including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Elaine died on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:31 pm and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.Memorial services will be held at a later date and will be announced once determined.In lieu of flowers please donate to Verde Valley Christian Church/Christ Church of the Valley or Northern Arizona Hospice.