Shirley J. Forbes

Shirley J. Forbes, 83, of Delight, Arkansas passed away on Monday, March 11, 2019 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born August 19, 1935 in New Hope, Arkansas the daughter of the late Calvin James Simmons and Dennis Mae Marshall Ruchalski. Mrs. Forbes was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She worked as a librarian and clerk in Delight, Arkansas for many happy years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Delight, Arkansas and the Delight Extension Homemakers Club. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Forbes, two daughters Vicki Kight Wheeler, Robbi Lynn Forbes, one son Stephen Kight, one sister Linda McDonald, and a stepfather Chester Louis Ruchalski. Her early life was spent in Pike County, doted on by her parents, grandparents and seven special aunts, uncles and their spouses. At age 10, she moved with family to Long Beach, CA and lived in the area until her late 20's. She and her beloved husband Bob Forbes packed up and moved to Delight where she planted roots again, spending time with her mother and large extended family. Gardening, canning, sewing and quilt making with her mother were some of her various hobbies. Mrs. Forbes loved the Lord, and she spent her entire life centered on family who loved to gather around her to celebrate life. She delighted in all of her children and grandchildren. A uniquely special person, those who knew her best believed her to be a selfless servant, generous, beautiful and sassy/funny. Shirley was a lovely woman, respected and loved by many in the community. She will be sorely missed. Survivors include two daughters Becky Kight of Delight, AR; Jennifer Arnold and husband Allen of Murfreesboro, AR; two brothers Mike Ruchalski of Delight, AR; Greg "Pooh" Ruchalski of Nashville, AR; one sister Debbie Hill of Delight, AR; six grandchildren Clint Wheeler of Delight, AR; Chris Wheeler and wife Megan of Murfreesboro, AR; Kelsi Wheeler of Delight, AR; Alex Arnold of Bethlehem, PA; Andrew Arnold of Murfreesboro, AR; Jessi Burns and husband Derek of Glen Rose, AR; as well as one precious great-granddaughter Charleigh Wheeler of Murfreesboro, AR and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and wonderful friends. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, March 14, at Latimer Funeral Home in Murfreesboro. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, March 15, at Latimer Funeral Home in Murfreesboro, with Bro. Verlon Wood and Bro. David Brian Hendrix officiating. Burial will follow in Delight Cemetery, under the direction of Latimer Funeral Home in Murfreesboro. Memorials may be made to the Delight Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 28, Delight, AR. 71940 You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Shirley J. Forbes please visit our Sympathy Store.