Wanda Lucille Forbes

March 31, 1952 – October 12, 2024

Wanda Lucille Forbes, born Wanda Thompson on March 31, 1952, in Eureka, California, passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of October 12, 2024, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved daughter of Evelyn Lucille Gubbins and Raymond Hanford Thompson. Wanda is preceded in death by her older sister, Gloria Jean Marsh, and is survived by her sister, Estelle May Wharton, of Eugene, Oregon.

Wanda spent her childhood in the beautiful surroundings of Blue Lake and Arcata, California, and attended Arcata High School, where she became a trailblazer as one of the first young women allowed to participate in Future Farmers of America (FFA). Without hesitation, she enrolled, igniting a lifelong passion for animals. She raised a jersey heifer named "Honey" and later showed a red angus steer, "Mogen David," winning 2nd place in showmanship. Wanda graduated from Arcata High in 1970, leaving behind fond memories of her accomplishments.

Her passion for animals extended beyond school. With a simple start of a few rabbits gifted by her father, she quickly grew a bustling collection of over 100 rabbits. Wanda’s life was rich with experiences, including a cherished time spent in Great Falls, Montana—a place she often spoke of with longing—and a period living on Kodiak Island, Alaska, before returning to Humboldt County.

Wanda was a woman of many talents and roles. She worked various jobs, including being one of the first women employed at a local lumber mill. However, her heart always led her back to animals. Her favorite job was at the Humboldt County Humane Society, where she cared for animals with unwavering dedication. Along with her love for animals, Wanda was a gifted artist, known for her beautiful animal drawings, and a passionate gardener, spending many happy days with her late partner, Howard Thompson.

In 1974, Wanda met and married Douglas Allen Forbes (deceased), and together they settled in McKinleyville, California. In 1979, they welcomed their first daughter, Darcey Suzanne Gerber, of Junction City, Oregon, followed by their second daughter, Angela Deanna Gearhart, in 1985, now of Dunkerton, Iowa. Wanda was a single mother for most of her daughters' lives. While life was not always easy and often a struggle, her daughters remember the good times and how Wanda cared for them when it mattered most.

Wanda was also a proud grandmother to her cherished grandchildren: Samuel Douglas Allen Bowman, Amanda Lucille Bowman, and Hazel Glory Sunshine Gearhart, all currently residing in Iowa. She had two additional grandchildren, Tyler and Tanner Bowman of Junction City, Oregon, who became her grandchildren during Angela's first marriage. Wanda and her late partner Howard often babysat the boys, who helped them in their garden, creating cherished memories together. She loved them very much. Wanda was also very proud of her son-in-laws, Shane Reed Gerber and Grant Walter Gearhart II, and it brought her great joy to see them and know the happiness they brought to her daughters. Wanda was also very close with her loving niece, Shelly Rhodes, of Salem, Oregon.

One of the most transformative chapters in Wanda’s life was her journey to sobriety. After battling with drugs and alcohol, she proudly earned her 6-year sobriety chip in May of 2024. The women’s sobriety house where she spent her final days was a source of profound support. Both new and old housemates provided a constant stream of encouragement and love. Wanda became the "mother" of the house, affectionately known as the "OG." She took immense pride in sponsoring a young woman named Largo, and this was one of her proudest accomplishments. Wanda also had a sponsor herself, Carla Pecorilla, who played a crucial role in her recovery and was a deeply important part of her life. She also had a close friendship with many of the women, especially her friends Julie and Teri. She loved attending Sunday AA meetings at the Jesco Club in Eugene. Wanda was incredibly proud to share her sobriety journey with her daughter Angela. Attending meetings together was a blessing for both of them, strengthening their bond. The tribe of women who surrounded Wanda during these years became a beautiful, loving community, providing steadfast support through thick and thin. Wanda's sobriety afforded her a better relationship with both her daughters, Darcey and Angela, which was a blessing and a gift to all their lives.

Wanda’s spirit was truly free. She loved fly fishing, dancing, animals, art, nature, and gardening. She had found profound faith and was always looking at the positive. She was feisty, full of life, and always ready for a good time. Above all, Wanda loved her family and found her greatest happiness in them.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

There will be a celebration of life in early November, with more details to come shortly. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to go towards her celebration of life, and any remaining funds will be donated in her honor to the Jesco Club of Eugene and the Ovarian Cancer Society. Donations can be made via everloved or to Venmo @Tawanda52.

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