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Funeral Services: 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, at Brush Creek
Visitation: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Brush Creek
A private family burial will occur thereafter.
RICKY LEE FORTH (“Rick”), age 69, of Xenia, Illinois, passed to his eternal reward on July 9, 2025.
Rick was born in Fairfield, Illinois, on June 15, 1956, to John William Forth and Betty Jo (Yocham) Forth. He graduated from Marion High School in 1974. He received a football scholarship and attended Graceland College, where he graduated in 1978 with a degree in Business Administration. He earned an MBA from Southern Illinois University in 1981, completed graduate accounting courses at the University of Illinois, and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1984.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Ann (Knapp) Forth whom he asked to marry him after a 3-week courtship. They were married on November 3, 1979 in Flora, Illinois and the courtship continued throughout the past 45 years. The love they shared was genuine, enduring and admired by all who know them. Together, they have five cherished children: Adam J. Forth (Kendal) of Bumpus Mills, Tennessee; Andrew W. Forth (Emmalee) of Xenia, Illinois; Allison E. Price (Tyler) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Abraham L. Forth (Katelyn) of Nashville, Illinois; and Anna E.R. Mickelson (Joe) of Lamoni, Iowa. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren whom he and Elizabeth adored. He is further survived by his mother, Betty Jo Forth, and his brothers: Mark Forth (Elizabeth), John David Forth (Leah), and Leslie Jay Forth
Rick’s professional career included roles at Pepsi Mid-America in Marion, IL; Elliott State Bank in Jacksonville, IL; Knapp Oil Company in Xenia, IL; and Built-Mor Buildings in Bluford, IL. He held leadership roles in the Illinois Fuel & Retail Association, Illinois Truck Stop Association, and served 16 years as a member and President of the Flora Community Unit School District #35 Board of Education.
Rick was a devoted member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was ordained to the Office of Priest in 1976 and to the Office of Elder in 1982. He served as pastor at branches in Jacksonville, Flora, Poplar Creek and Xenia Restoration. Rick and Elizabeth’s ministry included directing senior high youth camps at Brush Creek Campground for almost 30 years. They were an amazing team, impacting the lives of thousands of youths during this time and the years that followed. Rick also directed reunions at Brush Creek and served there as Treasurer.
While Rick excelled in his professional career, all who knew him knew that he was most proud of his family and his love of Christ. The love for his wife and family was immeasurable, and his faith in Christ unwavering. He was an unshakable presence and guidance whether cheering on his grandchildren in their activities, visiting their children and their families, or driving hours just to be there for them. A phone call was rarely missed by Rick from any of his family and friends and he made each person feel truly seen, respected and unconditionally loved. Though Rick is no longer with us his legacy will continue in the lives he touched, and his absence will be felt by all who were blessed enough to know him.
Rick was preceded in death by his father, John William Forth, and his infant sister, Mary Allison Forth.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 15 at Brush Creek with Elder Keith Rhine presiding and Elder Abraham Forth providing the eulogy. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with funeral to follow at 1 p.m. A private family burial will occur thereafter. Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to the Forth Family Foundation Fund at http://bit.ly/ForthFamily. This fund was established by Rick and Elizabeth Forth and their desire to support the needs of the community through grants.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us with kind words, meals, memories, and prayers. Please know that your love has been felt during this difficult time.
Mar 13, 1956 - Aug 23, 2025
Mar 30, 1945 - Aug 22, 2025
Feb 12, 1939 - Aug 15, 2025
Jun 18, 1957 - Aug 13, 2025
Sep 12, 1936 - Aug 10, 2025
Prayers to the Family. Admired Rick's contribution of helping youth through sports & Brush Creek Youth Camps.
I worked for Rick at Knapp Oil Company. You could not have asked for a better bosses than him and Andrew. He was always honest, stood by his word, and supported his community. That's rare to find in today's world and he will be missed. When I heard about it, I was stunned and I want to give my condolences to his family. He was a great man.
So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. Sending prayers to the Forth family.
So very sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth and family, please accept our deepest sympathy for your great loss. I have admired you two as a couple and have great respect for Rick. I always appreciated his thoughts and desire to explore the rights options for our kids of Flora Unit 35. I felt his unwavering faith and I am thankful to have known him.
Rick is a very good man. He will be missed so much by so many.My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. God bless you all.
Elizabeth and family, deepest condolences, I feel privileged to have known Rick and always admired his faith, love for his family and work ethic. Prayers of comfort and peace for all of you.
So sorry for your family's loss. Everyone is in our thoughts and prayers!
I'm so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was always so friendly and had a smile on his face. Good man gone way to soon. RIP prayers for his loved ones
Im so very sorry,my condolences to the family and prayers for all
Rick was one of the best. Prayers for his family and all those that knew him.
Our hearts break for your family. Sending prayers, love and hugs . He was a great man and will be missed. Hold onto all the wonderful memories you have till you will meet again.
Rick was my former boss, but mostly a wonderful friend. He was always there if I needed to talk about anything. My prayers go out to his family.
May you feel wrapped in a giant warn heavenly hug during this very difficult time. Our hearts hurt with yours .
Elizabeth and Family: We are so shocked and saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. Rick was a fantastic board member and board president. Bud has lost a colleague and we have both lost a friend. We feel privileged to have known him. He was such a good Christian man. Rick will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. RIP Rick❣️
Elizabeth and family: Our heart breaks for all of you. We were just so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. Our prayers for strength and comfort at this very difficult time.
So very sorry for your loss Elizabeth.
Thinking of you Liz and your sweet family. Rick was simply one of the best in our community and he will be missed by all who knew him. We are so sorry, Hugs!
My heart aches for you all. Prayers for peace and strength.
Rick was the best ever,he was very kind always,couldn't ask for a better man,just talking with him would make you feel at ease,his kindness was unconditional .he will be missed,thinking of all of the family,praying for your peace
My condolences to the family. He was a great man. My heart goes out to his family. He will be greatly missed.
My heart goes out to you and your family .Rick had a heart of gold for his friends and his community he’s going to be deeply missed by all that knew him . He was a great friend and he will be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our condolences and prayers ❤️
Liz and family! Rick is going to be missed by so many. Josh and Andrew became good friends in school and that's when we got to know the Forth family. What a privilege it has been. Rick and Liz was very devoted to their family and Christ but always had their door open for other kids if needed. If you see Rick out, he always had time to stop and say Hi and ask how your family was doing. We truly have lost a very good man in our community! Liz, cherish all the good times. Love and hugs to you and the kids
Elizabeth and family we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was a GREAT man. He will be missed so many. What a wonderful family Rick and Liz raised. Great kids and grandkids and great grandkids who he talked about all the time when running into him. I was lucky enough to get to meet him and his family. I always enjoyed talking with Rick. I will cherish the memories I have of him and his wonderful family. Rest in Peace Rick...
Praying for the peace that passes all understanding for Anna, Joe, the kids and the entire family. We extend our condolences for your loss.
I met Rick and Liz at Graceland and was fortunate to live in Centralia ill for a couple years and attend Brush creek with them. Rick was admired by all as a faithful Christian who always had a smile on his face and willingness to help others. Rick and Liz’s children are a testimony to the impact great parents can have on their own family. Prayers for Liz and all their family
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May God’s peace cover you all at this time.
Elizabeth and family our deepest condolences . Rick was a true gentleman always acknowledged ones presence wherever you met him, always a smile , Asking how you were . his presence will be missed in the community . God Bless
Our deepest sympathy to the whole family
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Rick You will be missed by so many. You was the leader of the "F Troop " You and Elizabeth were one of the first people I met when I came to church in Orchardville you both were so nice I felt like I had known you all my life and raised a beautiful kind and caring ❤ family. You and Elizabeth I know are very proud of your beautiful "F Troop "❤
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Tyler tells me he knew Jesus. After knowledge of this, my words/opinions do not matter, only what was written: 1 Thessalonians 13-18 states "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope." Be comforted and know my allegiance in prayer always welcomed. Very Respectfully, Stephen Elliott
So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He was a great influence on my life growing up and, as a young man, someone I always admired and looked up to. Whether it was playing sports with his sons, interacting with him at church, or attending the Brush Creek camps he led, I always appreciated the way Rick carried himself and treated others. He was a truly godly man who raised a wonderful family and impacted countless lives in both big and small ways. My condolences and prayers are with the entire family.
I only knew Rick for a short time, but quickly understood why he was so well respected and the pillar of his family - I heard many stories about his work in the community and saw how close he was to his children and grandchildren. To all the Forths, especially Cole and Mary, we're praying for you all and know you are carrying him every day in your souls.
My deepest condolences to the Forth family mourning the untimely loss of Rick. Though it has been many years since we walked that Old, Old Path together at Brush Creek Youth Camps, Rick was a good man who served Jesus Christ well and blessed many lives including my own. May God in Christ bless Rick’s family in this difficult time of mourning and grief for Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, and Brother gone too soon. May the many good memories of happy times shared together be a balm to your hearts as you walk a little further on down the Old, Old Path without him by your side but always in your hearts. God bless and keep you all is my prayer.
Elizabeth and family, I am so very sorry to hear or your loss. Rick was always a good person to all he met. My boys went to school with Adam and Abe. I can't imagine how he will be missed in your family unit. R.I.P. Rick... 🙏🏻
Liz, my heart breaks for you. I am certainly holding you and your family up in prayer for the peace and comfort that only God can give. HE will see you through!
So sorry to hear of Rick's passing .We had such good times back in MHS. Will treasure the memories. Sorry for your loss, and prayers for family.
So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Rick and was saddened to hear of his passing. Sincere sympathies to Liz and all the family.
Life can pass so quickly but our memories last forever. Remembering our many happy times at Brush Creek reunions and church camps. May your calling to be with our wonderful Creator provide ministry among the many angels in heaven. I pray that the Holy Comforter surround all the family with hope and peace.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
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