Bertha Jean Forbes

Bertha Jean Forbes, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Lebanon, Oregon, on July 6, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on December 22, 1938, in Oregon to John and Edith Weaver (Markum), Bertha grew up in a loving family alongside her sisters, Marie Crocker and Dorothy Tillotson. A proud graduate of Coquille High School, Class of 1958, she remained rooted in the community where she was raised, spending 45 years in Coquille before moving to Lebanon, where she lived for the past 41 years.

On November 1, 1959, Bertha married the love of her life, Allen James Forbes, in Coquille. Together they built a family filled with love, laughter, and resilience. She is survived by her children Todd Forbes with wife Angie, and Douglas Forbes; grandchildren Marissa Hernandez with husband Charles, Pamela Forbes, Rebecca Forbes, and Conner Forbes; and three cherished great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Allen and three daughters whose memories she carried with her always.

Bertha was a woman of remarkable creativity and spirit. While in Coquille, she owned and operated a local arts and crafts store, where she shared her talent and passion with her community. She was a wonderful cook and never failed to make a home cooked meal for those who visited. Her love for gardening was well-known and deeply appreciated, earning her the distinction of Oregon Master Gardener. In her younger years, she was also a dedicated member of the Rebekahs Lodge, where she found camaraderie and community.

A nurturer of both plants and animals, Bertha’s home was always filled with life from blooming flowers to the many pets she cared for throughout the years. Her gentle hands and kind heart left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.

Bertha will be remembered for her quiet strength, her generous spirit, and the deep love she had for her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the beauty she brought into the world.