Russell K. Forbes

Russell Kenneth Forbes, 87, passed away on March 22, 2016 at Hospice House in Ashland, following a brief illness. He was born on August 11, 1928 in Ashland County to John Blaine Forbes and Yana Fafa Smith Forbes and has been a resident of Ashland County his entire life.

Russell was married to Janice Stentz Forbes on May 11, 1957 in Ashland at the West 10th Street Grace Brethren Church. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1945 and from the Toledo Barber School in 1955 after serving in the United States Armed Services.

Russell loved his family, demonstrating by example exactly what it meant to serve the Lord faithfully. He served over the years at Southview Grace Brethren Church as an Elder and Trustee and loved caring for the facility ~ mowing and doing anything that needed to be done.

He loved watching sports, particularly his Ashland University Ladies basketball team as well as his grandchildren’s soccer games. Russ also loved attending tractor pulls and the Farmer’s Institute plays over the years. His never ending sense of humor and sarcastic remarks kept everyone around him laughing! The family claimed he knew everyone in the county largely due to barbering for over 50 years!

Russell is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Janice Stentz Forbes; his daughter Lori Forbes Biddle and Ronald of Mansfield; daughter Cristy Forbes Barlow & Robert of Dublin; son John Forbes & Amanda of Ashland; grandchildren Eric Biddle & wife Alyssa; Jocelyn Biddle Nicolas & husband Aaron; Ethan Forbes & wife Julie and Brad Forbes; great grandchildren, Oliver & Margot Biddle, Blaine & Jenson Forbes; sisters LaDonna Jean Forbes Tirey and Patricia Forbes Watson.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; son Rusty James Forbes; and eight of his siblings, brothers, Wilbur, John and Smith Forbes and sisters, Alva Forbes Hinckley, Rhea Forbes Miller, Betty Forbes Block, Beatrix Maxine (Mickey) Forbes Markel and Bonnie Forbes Markel.

Friends may call from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Southview Grace Brethren Church, 810 Katherine Ave. in Ashland, Ohio, with the service immediately following. Burial will follow in Adario Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by the Ashland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio.

The Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family of Russell Kenneth Forbes.