Kathy Ann Forbes
November 13, 2021
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Service Details
Kathy Ann Forbes, 62 passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 13, 2021, after a brief illness.
Kathy was born on November 2, 1959, to Judy (Moffitt) and Larry Forbes. She was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines metro area, graduating from Lincoln High School, attending Iowa State University and AIB College of Business, graduating in Court Reporting. She worked for nearly 38 years for the Iowa Judicial Branch in District 5 as a court reporter and did so with great pride, serving the public and contributing to the judicial branch in numerous ways.
Kathy’s passion was owning, showing, and breeding basset hounds and beagles. She was highly respected by other dog owners and handlers. Kathy was a member of the American Kennel Club Judges Association, a supporting member of the National Beagle Club and served for over 10 years as an Officer and Education Chair. She finished countless national champion basset hounds and beagles. Kathy was very proud of achieving the certification of Group Level Judge and traveled extensively to judge dog shows. In her youth she was an accomplished equestrian, showing hunters and jumpers. At home there was always a cat in her lap.
Kathy is survived by her son Matthew (Megan) Forbes of Coralville, IA; sister, Tracy Forbes of Waukee, IA; brother, Jeff (Christy) Forbes of Bradenton, FL; nephews, Jeremy Forbes of Houston, TX; Benjamin Forbes of Norman, OK and many relatives and friends.
The family will be honoring Kathy’s wishes by having a private family burial.
Memorial contributions may be given to Take the Lead at www.TakeTheLead.org in Kathy’s name.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Michele chase
12/07/2021
As a new official reporter, Kathy befriended me and I will be forever grateful for that ffriendship. She had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh and always took the time to listen and try to make my day better when it wasn't going so well. I miss her every single day. She will always be in my heart. May you rest in peace, my friend and may your family find comfort in the memories they have
Nancy Trotter
11/30/2021
Kathy always could make me laugh after a court hearing, and sometimes during one. She introduced me to Ricola cough drops, and I will be forever grateful for that. Even though she heard many horrible things as a court reporter, she never lost her kindness and patience and humanity. Losing her leaves an ache in my heart.
Janis Lavorato
11/21/2021
I was a court reporter with Kathy for years. I am retiring soon and I know how excited she was to retire. I think we were both at the top of the list of seniority! I enjoyed having lunch with Kathy and her mother.downtown. We shared many laughs at those lunches. She was in charge of one of the court reporter's educational associations. Kathy did an outstanding job getting speakers, and she was the reason it was so successful. I will miss seeing her at those seminars. So happy I was able to attend the last one and visit with Kathy there. She always had a smile on her face. I believe I remember also the joke she had when scheduling about sending me to Bedford if I wasn't cooperative with her! She was very proud of her son Matthew. Condolences to Kathy's family. RIP, my friend.
Lee Eaton
11/21/2021
Condolences to Kathys family and friends. I was thinking about Kathy recently as we were discussing taking the grandkids to Disney- she so enjoyed taking Matthew when he was a child. May all those good memories bring comfort to you.
Sharon Turner
11/20/2021
Our paths did not cross often, but when they did we always had great conversations.
I knew Kathy from the dog show world, but I always loved hearing about her job as a court reporter.
I found her a realist, intelligent, gentle, understanding and kind. She had a great sense of humor as a dog show judge and was always quick witted and able to work with whatever issues might be thrown her way.
It is with great sorrow I hear of her passing. May her family enjoy fond stories of her dog show life from this other world of friends, and may you fly high Kathywe
will miss you here.
Sharon and Jim Dok
11/20/2021
We are deeply sorrowed to hear of Kathy's unexpected passing. We knew her through dog shows, some 25 years, She was a fun person to be around always with a sense of humor and smile.
Exhibitors who showed their dogs to her always liked her friendly and knowledgeable adjudication. We currently live with three of Kathy's Skyline Beagles, who live with our Basset Hounds. Kathy will be greatly missed in this household. Rest in Peace my dear friend. Sending our deepest sympathies to her family.
Nancy Draper
11/18/2021
As a court reporter in the judicial branch, Kathy encountered the best and worst of humanity, and she chose a hobby which brought her joy. Although she was a bit slow to embrace technology, Kathy eventually enhanced her skills and learned the software and her smartphone! If there was a seminar or party to be planned, Kathy was involved, and she always complied with continuing education requirements to retain her court reporter license and her dog show judging accreditation. Kathy particularly loved to judge Junior Showmanship for children from age 8 to 18. My sympathy to Kathys family and friends as we all learn to live without her. As humans we all have flaws, but I think Kathy tried her very best to make a good life for herself and her family.
Theresa Garrison
11/17/2021
I knew Kathy from the Polk County Courthouse. It was always a pleasure to work with her and have a nice conversation. So sorry for your loss.
Ray and Kay Reasoner
11/17/2021
So sorry for your loss, Kathy always helped your mother when entertaining the dinner group. A very interesting person and fun to talk to. I see Kathy joining many of her 4 legged friends and enjoying taking the top prize in their shows. Remember her sense of humor, speak of her often and keep her close to your heart in your remembrances .
Luanne Frett
11/17/2021
I worked with Kathy at the Polk County Courthouse and I remember she always had great stories to tell and took an active interest in whatever hearing she was covering. Though we were located in different court buildings, I would run into Kathy on her way to her car and would stop for a short visit. I will miss seeing her. God Bless.
Julie Tonda Stanton
11/16/2021
When I first met Kathy, she was scheduling court reporters. After asking her where she needed me to travel the next day, she replied, Taylor County, which was a three hour one-way drive for me. I said, well, I can do that, but I may not arrive too early. She smiled and said, oh, Im kidding, theres nothing in Taylor tomorrow. She had a wicked sense of humor.
My dear friend Kathy, I will miss our trips to the theatre, Waterfront, swooning together over Hugh Jackman, long phone conversations and my trying to convince you how important defense is in a football game! Love you! May your memory be a comfort to your family.