Lois Forby

MAKANDA - Lois Forby, 97, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026 at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. Prior to her death, she had been cared for by the loving staff at Manor Court, Liberty Village in Carbondale.

Lois Jean Felts was born on February 5, 1929 to Edith and Kenneth Felts in Marion, Illinois. She was a member of Union Hill Christian Church.

She married Orville Forby on May 28, 1949. He preceded her in death on July 1,2002. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Virginia Crader and her nephew, Kenny Crader.

Lois is survived by her three children and their families, Randy Forby (Starlyn) of Mount Vernon, Sandy Mason (Ron) of Carterville and Regina Smith (Julie) of Cape Coral, Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

She was "granny" to her grandchildren: Marci Killean, of Carterville, Bruce Forby of Mount Vernon, Matthew Forby, of Hawaii, Michael Forby of Seattle, Tim Smith of Overland Park, Kansas, Brooke Rossiter of Omaha, Nebraska, Matt and Ellie Smith of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Leo Gomez of Brazil. She also has 14 great grandchildren.

After marrying, she and Orville moved to Cedar Creek Rd. in Makanda. Their home was always a gathering place for family and friends. One of Lois' greatest joys was visiting over coffee on her front porch. She never met a stranger, and was always inviting people to stop and chat!

Over the years she learned many different arts and crafts-always blessing others with her beautiful handmade items. She loved to cook and bake for others and was known for her delicious candy making. The love she showed to everyone will be truly missed.

To an amazing Woman, wife, daughter, mom and granny-we love you!

A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Lipe Cemetery on Poplar Camp Rd., in Makanda. If desired, donations may be made to Lipe Cemetery or SICC Youth Camp.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Lois, visit www.meredithfh.com.