Ione A. Forbes

Ione Ann Forbes

March 26, 1949 – June 26, 2025

In the Jubilee Year of Hope, Ione Ann Forbes entered eternal rest on June 26, 2025, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 76 years old.

Born in Parsons, Kansas, on March 26, 1949, Ione was the daughter of Eugene and Ione Forbes. She graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1967.

Throughout her life, Ione lived in Chesapeake, Virginia, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, before retiring to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in 2003, with her dear friend, Val Almon. There, they built a peaceful and serene life, surrounded by nature and community.

Ione is survived by her grandson, Joshua Forbes; his wife, Samantha; and her great-granddaughter, Kara Marie, all of Battlefield, Missouri. She is also survived by her siblings: Tom and Loretta Forbes of Parsons; Ken and Mary Cook of Wichita; Jim and Carol Forbes; Joe and Tommie Forbes; and Paul Forbes, all of Parsons; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Eugene Charles Forbes; her beloved daughter, Shauna Ann Forbes; and her eldest nephew, Thomas Steven Forbes.

Ione loved with all her heart—to a fault. She will be remembered for her faith, her unwavering spirit, and the joy she brought to others. Her determination to make the best of things, her childlike wonder, and her contagious laughter reminded all who knew her that joy is both real and a choice. Ione was embodiment of love and hope.

In accordance with Ione's wishes, a private family graveside service was held on July 9 at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Parsons, Kansas.

The Jubilee Praye r

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of Your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds

of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within

both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

~ Pope Francis