Cora Sue Forbes (Jones), age 81, passed away on June 21, 2026, in Altoona, Florida, leaving behind a tapestry of love and memories that will be cherished by all who knew her. Born on August 24, 1944, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Sue made a lasting impact in her community and in the hearts of her family.

Sue was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Curtis Wesley Forbes, on August 18, 1964, in Aberdeen, SD. Together they created a loving home, filled with laughter, kindness, and countless cherished moments.

An avid learner, Sue pursued her education at Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD. and attended Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen and earned her Associate’s degree in Elementary Education in 1964. Later, she worked on completing her Bachelor’s degree at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. Her passion for education led her to teach 3rd grade in Melette, SD, and run a private nursery school from her home. Sue's dedication as a substitute teacher and a homemaker was evident as she nurtured both her students and her family with heartfelt devotion.

Throughout her life, Sue embraced many hobbies with enthusiasm, from reading and singing in church choirs to cross stitching, macrame, scrapbooking and all kinds of card and board games. A dedicated Brownie Troop Leader, she also was one of ten who founded the Princeton Drama Workshop in 1973, igniting creativity in others. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, active in United Methodist, LCA Lutheran, and Presbyterian churches, where she taught Sunday school, sang in choirs, and participated in women’s circles.

Sue was a vibrant community supporter, holding memberships in organizations such as Job's Daughters, where she served as past Honored Queen, Daughters of the Nile, Order of the Eastern Star (Past Worthy Matron), and The Red Hat Society. Her volunteer work at the local hospital exemplified her selfless spirit and caring nature.

She had a passion for adventure, traveling extensively throughout the United States by camping and RVing, as well as internationally to Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Austria, England, Scotland, and Wales. Sue loved collecting thimbles and memorabilia from her travels, amassing a collection of approximately 200 unique pieces.

Above all, Sue’s heart belonged to her family. She was known for her beautiful birthday cakes, which were made in fun shapes, such as trains, fire engines, butterflies, hobby horses, or the globe to make each celebration extra special. Her warm presence and infectious sense of humor will be deeply missed by her loved ones. Christmas was especially dear to her heart; with her meticulous planning, she created magical moments that her family will treasure forever.

Sue is survived by her devoted husband, Curtis Wesley Forbes of Altoona, FL; her children, D'Anna Kaye Forbes Gugerty (Gregg, deceased) of Morris, IL, Danette Elizabeth Forbes (Eric Colclasure) of Pekin, IL, and DC Bails-Forbes (Ron) of Cincinnati, OH; as well as her cherished grandchildren, Jon Curtis Forbes of New York, and Claire Elizabeth Gugerty and Caite Victoria Gugerty, both of Morris, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, C. Leroy Jones and Ruth Elizabeth Roberts Jones, and her brothers, Charles "Chuck" Jones (Jo), Dr. Royce Jones (Roberta), Bobby Lee Jones (Mary Ann, still living), and John W. Marlette (Joanne).

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 3, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Morris, 200 East Jackson, Morris, IL. Visitation will begin at 11:30 AM and continue until 12:45 PM, followed by a service at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in Sue's honor to the Order of the Eastern Star, Kedron Chapter #120, 101 North Sixth Ave, Princeton, MN 55371.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Sue’s memorial page online through social media.

Local services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)