Billie Jean Coleman Forbes

Billie Jean Coleman Forbes

Nov. 12, 1942 – May 17, 2023

We are sad to announce the passing of Billie Jean Coleman Forbes of Lind, Wash.

Billie was born Nov. 12, 1942 in Yakima and died in the early morning of May 17, 2023 at East Adams Rural Healthcare in Ritzville, Wash. after a long illness. She is survived by her three brothers: Patrick Coleman of Vancouver, Wash., Daniel Coleman and Clayton Coleman, both of Yakima, Wash. The family wishes to thank the caring hospital staff for their support of Billie and the Coleman family in her final hours.

The funeral will be held on Thurs., May 25, 2023, at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, 606 S. Weber Avenue, Ritzville, WA. The location of a reception following the service will be announced. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Ritzville Food Pantry, 104 W Main Avenue, Ritzville, WA, 99169 or to the charity of your choice in her name.

Billie grew up in Yakima in a farming family and was a gifted artist, horsewoman, and hard-working woman throughout her life. After graduating from East Valley High School with honors, she worked at the Yakima County Courthouse. She married Charles Forbes at age 20 and they farmed hay and raised cattle first in East Selah, then Warden, then Umatilla, Ore., over 30 years until Chuck’s death in 1992. They had no children. After Chuck passed, Billed moved into Irrigon where she worked for the Head Start program managing and maintaining the cafeteria.

Billie found her dream vacation home in Lind, Wash., where she spent most weekends with her dear friend Dave Weber. From their recliner chairs in front of the woodstove, they shared many moments of laughter and helped each other manage the health issues that arose as they aged. Dave was a cheerful companion and they greatly enjoyed each other’s company.

Billie moved to Lind full-time after retiring. She received wonderful support from her church, her caregivers, and friends with whom she enjoyed regular luncheons. She often baked delicious and elaborate cakes and some enjoyed her “cake of the month” treats. Billie continued to have a vegetable garden and raised chickens outside her home and still enjoyed cooking. Despite limited mobility, she was able to get around her kitchen and prepare wonderful meals. In addition, she enjoyed painting, creating dried flower arrangements, upholstering with colorful fabrics, and potting plants. Billie enjoyed collecting china and decorative ceramics so much so that she dreamed of opening a gift shop. She began giving pieces away as she aged and those lucky to receive such a gift from Billie often enjoyed the decorative packaging she created as much as the gift inside. Billie’s last effort was a collage of colorful butterflies; she loved butterflies as they covered much of her front door.