Ruth Arnold Forbes departed this life on November 18, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. Ruth was born and reared in McKenzie TN to Vera (Blackshear) and Roy Arnold, who preceded her in death. Ruth was also preceded in death by her brother, Paul Arnold, her son, Gene Paul Forbes, and her husband of 45 years, Barney Forbes. Left to mourn her passing are her children Janis Forbes, Elaine (Larry) Adams and Philip Forbes (Robin Rogers), along with 5 grandchildren: Brian (Kim) Adams, Janna (Brian) Vandiver, Whitney (Jimmy) Mills, Katie (Billy) Earnheart, and Ashley Forbes and 4 great-grandchildren: Braden Adams, Micah and Pearson Ruth Vandiver, and Cody Grace Mills. In addition she leaves sisters Frances Beebe and Joanne (Gaylon) Hickman and brother Howard Arnold (Shelva), along with many nieces and nephews. Ruth and Barney met in New Orleans in 1945, after Barney had been ordered back to the States upon the deaths of two of his brothers in service to their country during WWII. Ruth and Barney and their family were a career Navy family. Ruth played many roles in her life, but she was most of all a dedicated, devoted and loving mother--making a loving, secure home for her family at Naval stations far and wide. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and sewing for her children and grandchildren and made many beautiful quilts for her loved ones over the years. Ruth and her family were fortunate and are grateful to have had the loving care of Yahdeh Green Lee in the final weeks of her life. A private memorial service will be held at Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in McKenzie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home (Mailing address: PO Drawer G, Denton, TX 76202) or to Friends of the Bartlett Library (Mailing address: 5884 Stage Road Bartlett, TN 38134).

Published in The Commercial Appeal on Nov. 21, 2013