Patsy Forbes
Dow | Save
Patsy Joanne Forbes (nee Lorch), of Dow, Ill., passed peacefully into the hands of Jesus at the age of 90, at Jersey County Hospital under the watch of her kids, Susan and Len, on October 26, 2026 at 6:55 pm, after years of battling dementia.
Patsy was born in Alton, Ill., on January 8, 1936, to John and Margaret Lorch (nee Warner). She grew up on Aberdeen Avenue where many of her maternal family members lived and worked at Olin. She started playing the piano in her early years there. She later moved with her parents and younger brother Jon, to a farm near Dow in Jersey County where she attended Round Prairie School with many longtime friends and went to Bethel Methodist Church.
A lifelong Jersey County barefoot farm girl, Pat loved growing things and working outside with her Dad. She loved roller skating with her friends and dancing at Turrville Barn. After graduating from Jersey Community High School, she went to work at Millers Mutual in Alton and later at Olin.
Following her marriage to Oliver Kanyo, they settled in Godfrey and had two children, Susan and Len. In the mid-1960s, they bought the Ives farm on Airport Road near Dow, just down the road from her parents. Patsy loved to sing and play the piano. She enjoyed being a part of services in many area churches throughout her life.
She later worked in Real Estate and for many years the Department of Defense located at McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) where she retired.
She was an avid square dancer with the Jersey County Grand Squares and the Wood River Hoe Downers where she met her husband Ron Forbes of Alton. They were also active members of the Tri-County Antique Club and went to car shows.
Patsy led a vibrant active life with many friends and family, gardening and growing beautiful flowers and many other activities. She was a beautiful and loving mother who supported her children and family in many ways all her life. Patsy also faithfully took care of her Mom, Father-in-Law (Henry), and Mother-in-law (Dot).
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Lorch; her husband, Ron Forbes; her infant brother, John Lorch Jr.; and other wonderful extended family members.
She leaves behind her brother, Jon Lorch (Emily), nephew Chris; daughter, Susan Pepper (Paul); son, Len Kanyo (Joanie); six grandchildren, James Pepper, Lacy Pfleger, Sarah Alvarez (Jose), Laura Zinck (Ryan), Myrah Whittington, and Leah Korobey (Kyle); ten great-grandchildren; several great nieces and nephews; and many beloved family members and friends.
Service Details: Friends and family are invited to celebrate Patsy’s life on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Dow Southern Baptist Church, 24735 Dow Rd., Dow, Ill. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. (immediately following visitation)
Graveside Service will be at 3:00 p.m. at East Newbern Cemetery, near Dow in Jersey County, Illinois.
Social Gathering: After the burial, all are welcome to fellowship at the Dow Southern Baptist Church. Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill., is serving the family. View a photo tribute, sign the guestbook, or message the family at www.wfh-ofallon.com.
Wolfersberger Funeral Home
