Lois Forby

Lois Forby, 97, of Makanda, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026 at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. She had been lovingly cared for by the staff at Manor Court, Liberty Village in Carbondale in her final years.

Lois Jean Felts was born on February 5, 1929 in Marion, Illinois to Edith and Kenneth Felts. She married Orville Forby on May 28, 1949, and together they made their home on Cedar Creek Road in Makanda. Their house became a beloved gathering place for family and friends. Lois was a longtime member of Union Hill Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Orville in 2002, her parents, her sister Virginia Crader, and her nephew Kenny Crader.

She is survived by her three children and their families: Randy Forby and Starlyn of Mount Vernon, Sandy Mason and Ron of Carterville, and Regina Smith and Julie of Cape Coral, Florida, along with many nieces and nephews. Lois 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 cherished her 14 great-grandchildren.

Lois found great joy in simple pleasures—visiting with others over coffee on her front porch, where she welcomed everyone as a friend. She never met a stranger. Over the years she mastered many arts and crafts, generously giving away her handmade creations. She loved to cook and bake for her family and was especially known for her delicious candies. Her warm, giving spirit and the love she showed to everyone will be deeply missed by all who knew her.