Ruby Irene Forrest, 65 of Taylorville, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.  She was born on September 4, 1958, the daughter of Claude and Martha (Tyler) Jeffers.  She married Thomas A. Forrest, and they enjoyed 44 years together.  She worked for 35 years at the Christian County Mental Health Association as a client trainer.  She enjoyed raising chickens for many years.  More than anything she loved her friends and family, by whom she will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband: Tom Forrest of Taylorville; children: Dawn Richards (Shad) and T.J. Forrest (Rachel) both of Taylorville; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren: siblings: Phyllis Jett, Ada Lane, and Chas Jeffers (Sandy) all of Litchfield, Mary “Maggie” Scott (Lonnie), Ruth Cooper, and Harrold Jeffers (Bonnie) all of Taylorville; brother-in-law: Larry Jett of Litchfield; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Claudette Jett, Patricia Jansen, Marilee Jeffers, Cecelia Tyler, Andrew Jeffers, John Jeffers, and Robert “Bob” Jeffers. 

Ruby will be cremated, and a memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  Memorials may be made to the Christian County Mental Health Association Workshop.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.