July 31, 1932- May 22, 2024
Elizabeth Marie Forbes (Lighthall), 91, formerly of Auburn, WA passed away on May 22, 2024. She was born on July 31, 1932 to Albert and Pauline Forbes. She was raised in Schenectady, NY and graduated from Nott Terrace High School. She attended Mildred Elley Preparatory School and Skidmore College in Saratoga, NY earning degrees in Education and the Arts. She later graduated from Highline College in WA and St. Francis College with a BS in Nursing.
Upon graduating from Skidmore College, she served in the US Navy during the Korean War as an Aide to Admirals Burke and V.D. Long while stationed in Washington, DC and working at the Pentagon. Upon her discharge from the Navy in 1958, she worked for the Veterans Administration in Albany, NY. She often said that her highest honor was to wear the uniform of her country and to serve it faithfully and honorably with love and dignity.
She was married to Robert J. Ney from 1962 to 1967 and later married to Duane G. Lighthall from 1969 to 1989. During her marriage to Duane Lighthall, she moved from New York to California to Washington State and New Mexico. While in New Mexico, she worked as a Registered Nurse and later worked for NW Kidney Center in Seattle. She ended her career as a Diabetic Educator with Healthways, Inc.
Elizabeth is remembered for her many volunteer church activities at Messiah Lutheran Church in Auburn and as a dedicated Sunday School teacher. She was active in The Order of Eastern Star and was a Past Worthy Matron of Cyclamen Chapter in Auburn.
Elizabeth lived in Las Vegas from 2016 to 2019 and enjoyed retirement with many exciting excursions to live shows, movies, restaurants and Red Rock Canyon. In 2019, she moved to Fort Worth, Texas to be close to family. As her health declined, she moved to a residential care home, where she passed away. Thank you to her wonderful care team who made Elizabeth’s final days so comfortable.
She is survived by her 4 children: Debbie Forbes (Lighthall) of Dallas, TX; Eleanor (Steve) Bell (Lighthall) of North Richland Hills, TX; Sarah Gillispie (Lighthall) of Bonney Lake, WA and Joseph (Amy) Lighthall of Woodinville, WA; plus 9 grandchildren.
