Barbara Jean Forge passed away Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, at Royal Plaza Retirement Center in Lewiston. Barbara was born April 6, 1930, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Edward and Alberta Young. After losing her father at a young age, Barb was fortunate to have a wonderful stepfather, Harry Bollinger. She graduated from Colorado Springs High School and moved to Lewiston, where she met Walter L. Forge. They were married on Dec. 12, 1952, in Spokane. Together they had three sons, Hal, Steven and Dan, the loves of her life. Barb dedicated her life to being the best wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend she could be. Her family, including most of her grandkids, gathered to surround her with love in her last days, celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary with a pizza party in her presence.
Barb never knew a stranger; she loved, hugged and had a smile for everyone. Their loving home on 1201 Powers Ave. was always a gathering place for the boys and all of their friends. Many will remember baseball in the small yard, basketball on the carport, playing cards, a warm meal, her laughter and love of all.
Barb's beautiful smile was at every event that her family was involved in. She was an honorary cheerleader for the Little League, Orchard Panthers, Sacajawea Savages, Lewiston Bengals, Lewis-Clark Twins, Lewis-Clark State College Warriors, Amateur Athletic Union Basketball, USA Volleyball, Idaho Vandals and Walla Walla Warriors. She also served as a Cub Scout den mother.
In 1981, Walt and Barb established a beautiful family cabin at Freeman Creek. Her greatest joy was having all of her family and friends gather together, celebrating holidays, family reunions, fishing, snowmobiling, anything as long as she was surrounded by family.
During the years, not necessarily loving air travel, she always accompanied Walt to many Budweiser beer conventions, Legion and College Baseball World Series trips in Tennessee, New Hampshire and Missouri, the NCAA Tournament in New Mexico and Las Vegas for AAU Basketball to watch her sons and grandsons play sports. Barb also loved to travel to the Oregon Coast with all of her family, making it a tradition for many years. She thought there was nothing better than clam chowder at Mo's in Florence.
Barb was preceded in death by her father, mother and stepfather. She is survived by her husband, Walt; sons Hal (Terrie), Steven (Kathy) and Dan (Brenda) Forge, all of Lewiston; 10 grandchildren, Chad Williams, Nick Williams, Bryce Forge, Hali Forge, Matthew Forge, Meagan Forge, Taylor Forge, Brett Forge, Kendall Forge and Parker Forge; and eight great-grandchildren.
Barb was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. They all loved her and will miss her dearly.
Barbara's services will begin with her burial at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens, followed by a celebration of life at 12:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church on 1906 Broadview Drive, Lewiston. Please join the family for a luncheon and sharing at the church following the service. Viewing is from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home.
Visit the online guest book at www.Malcomsfuneralhome.com. The family is thankful for the many angels that are among us. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital in Spokane, which was a special place for Barbara as her son, Steven, received care there when he was a small child.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Wednesday, December 17, 12:30 PM
- Location
-
First United Methodist Church
1906 Broadview Drive
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Get Directions - Additional Details
- A graveside service will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens.
Condolences
Marlene schaefer
Love and hugs to all of you. I felt like part of your family as our families were growing up on Powers, especially as I babysat you boys I grew even closer to your family. Barb was so full of joy and her smile was the biggest one ever. Truly a beautiful person
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Larry & Rachel Edwards
Please accept our sincere condolences in the loss of your wife, mother, grandmother. What a blessing to have shared life with this beautiful lady. Prayers to all. Larry & Rachel
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Diana Paul
Heaven is truly a better place with you there, the friends and family we all have up their are enjoying your warmth,kindness and laughter. You made lewiston home to me when I first moved here,you took me in like a welcomed family member. I enjoyed all the times that I stopped by seeing your warm smile and gracious heart. Walt always teased that he wasn't going to let you have anything of the treats I dropped off but we both knew who ruled that house and you could have whatever you wanted. Your smile is what I look forward to the day I meet you again, your an amazing women and a perfect example of what a mother should be. You will be deeply missed,I love you Diana
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Girls at Royal Plaza
Forge family, We pray that you find comfort in your time of grief knowing that Barb is in a much better place. We are grateful to have had the priviledge of caring for her and getting to know you all during her stay. Barb always had a smile on her face and could brigthen anyones day with her humor. She taught us all lots about our jobs, our lives, and gave the best advice. She will be greatly missed. We will enjoy carrying our special memories of Barb.
Much love from the girls at Royal Plaza ♡
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Del and Sue Gehrke
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your Wife and Mom,. We know she had a very special place in your hearts.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Dan and Tami
Great neighbor, Greater friend. Always put family and friends ahead of herself. Neighborhood won't be same without her sitting on back porch with Walt and waving at us. HEAVEN JUST GAINED WONDERFUL LADY . God bless
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Ryan Humphrey
Forge family, I am so sorry this had to happen to you guys. Barb was one of the nicest people i have ever met. Unfortunately i did not get the chance of growing up with her in my life, but the short time knowing her was a blessing. Her and Walt have raised one hell of a family and i know that from heaven she will continue to keep you forges in line. I am really sorry that i will not be able to make it to the service on Saturday due to me being out of town for work. My thoughts and prayers to you, I love you guys.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Janice Heath
Walt, Hal, Steve, Dan and families - so sorry to hear about the passing of your wife, mom and grandmother Barb. She was truly one of the nicest women around. Mom and Dad counted her as one of their friends and I know she will be missed by many.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Barbara Robbins
She was a great lady, always loved talking to her as she was so positive, the few times I saw her at Royal Plaza were a pure joy. Could you please give me the address for Shriners Hospital as I would like to send a donation in her name. I will always remember that smiling face. Saying prayers for the whole family. Barb Robbins
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Mike & Sandy Forkner
Our deepest sympathies to the Forge Family. We have so many fond memories of Barb. She never forgot a face or friend. She will be greatly missed. We won't be able to attend the services but our hearts and prayers are with you.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Wes Sodorff
My heart and blessings are with you. It is a tough time that you must handle with grace which know you boys will do. My thoughts and prayers are with you.. See you next fall at some games in Moscow.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Cindy Hardin
Every time I saw Barb I was greeted with a great big loving hug. What a sweet lady. The love she gave is truly reflected by the many who loved her back. I know she will be missed. I hope the fond memories of her life with you brings comfort in your loss.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Phil Brown
My sympathies for all of you. Barb was such a wonderful lady we will all miss so much. What a wonderful family I have had the honor to know and share memories with. Big Hugs to all of you. Phil
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Cindy and Randy Kerr
My first time to see Barb and Walt was at football, basketball, and baseball games when I was in high school and they were in the crowd supporting their sons and the Bengals. Then we were lucky that our boys are the same age as Brett and Taylor. I have spent many years sitting on the bleachers with Barb and the Forge family cheering for our kids - she was a great gal and will always remain in our hearts.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Nate Wilson
What a beautiful obituary and tribute to your mother. It put a smile on my face remembering she even had hugs and a smile for a kid from Lapwai that found his way into her home. God's blessing and comfort to you all.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Bobbi Williams
So sorry for you loss, thoughts and prayers to all.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Bill McLeod
Auntie Barb's passing leaves me with a large ache in my heart but 62 years worth of great memories bring a smile to my lips as I remember all the good times and family gatherings over the years. My heartfelt condolences to Uncle Walt, Hal, Steve and Boone. I love you guys.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Barry & Robin Schultz Sr
We are so sorry for your loss. Wife, mom,and grandmother she was a great lady! Always enjoyed her laughter and witty personality . We will never forget such a great lady.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Jason Blazzard
Even though I did not know Barb directly, I feel that I know her through her great family and the legacy that she has established, a legacy of love.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Rich, Deb & Nick Masters
Steve, Hal, Dan and family,
We were sad to see the passing of your Mother.
This poem was from a memorial from the service for Lacy, Vanessa and Kami Olinger. It was written by Lacy not knowing it would be used at her own service. I hope it helps.
Wipe away our tears, By Lacy Alexandra Olinger
A tear from my eye
Sent over to yours
I stop to dry my tears
Just to wipe yours
I'll use your tissue
You use mine
And together we will wipe
Away all our fears.
Lacy was just 13.
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rich, Deb and Nick Masters
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Wayne Manwaring
My deepest sympathies to the Forge family. Barb was a very special lady and will be missed by all. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Diann Charlo
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a lovely lady she was and always will be.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Melanie & Dale Reed
Remembering Barb fondly and sending our loving thoughts to all the family at this difficult time.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Norm & Ann Lenz Family
So sorry to read about Barb. She was a great lady.
We enjoyed sitting with the Forge family during the AAU games, while our grandsons played basketball. She will be missed by everyone that knew her! You have our deepest sympathies.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Sissie Olson
My heart and prayers are with you. Keep in mind shes smiling and saying remember the good times!!!! All my love to you all. Little Sis
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Lydia Erickson
Barb was truly a wonderful lady. I will miss her lovely smile and sweet ways. My thoughts and prayers are with Walt and "her boys" at this time. My love to you all.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Debbie and Bessie Brudie
Our heartfelt condolences in this difficult time. Our love and prayers for healing--you know how we feel about your whole family. Barb was a wonderfully special person and we shared some great times with the Forge family when the "boys" played basketball. I remember once when my mom had to be rescued because of Mt. St. Helens--and right there were Walt and Barb! She will be missed.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Edna, Dan & Carol Leachman
We will really miss Barb. We shared a lot of fun and laughter with all the family over the years. Edna was happy to see her right before she came to Arizona for the winter.
Sorry we can't make it to the funeral, but we are in Arizona.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Mike and Paula Hasfurther
Our sincere sympathy to all of you. What a special lady she was. We will miss her hugs and her smile. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend the service on Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Mike and Paula
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
W.E. Chetwood and Peggy
Our deepest sympathies. We will attend the family and friends gathering. Our fond memories of Barb and the entire family will be with us forever.
Bill and Peggy
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
Jean Larson
My deepest sympathies to all of the Forge family. Your mom was special to me and she always made me smile whenever I saw her. She was truly one of a kind and made this world a better place.
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:15 PM
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