Loretta M. Forbes

Loretta M. Forbes, 83, of Carlsbad, NM passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at the Carlsbad Medical Center.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be no visitation. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com

Loretta was born on January 12, 1940 in Waco, TX to William and Virginia Mooney. Loretta’s parents were living in Gatesville, TX when she was born, relocating to Roswell when she was in the sixth grade. Loretta graduated from Roswell High School in 1958. She then went onto college, attending The University of New Mexico and The University of Oklahoma. Loretta met and later married the love of her life, Jay Forbes on August 29, 1962, in Roswell. They started their family of two children, moved to Oklahoma, and then to Carlsbad in 1964. She had a love for creating art and her beautiful work was displayed at The Artist Gallery downtown in Carlsbad. Loretta was a member of the Carlsbad Area Art Association and the Carlsbad Assistance League. She also had a big heart for all animals, and loved her precious dogs. Loretta and Jay enjoyed spending time at their vacation home in Pendaries, NM. She was an avid tennis and pickleball player and never turned down the opportunity to play mahjong. Loretta will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her father, William C. Mooney; mother, Virginia (Davison) Mooney; and son, Jason L. Forbes.

Loretta is survived by her husband, Jay W. Forbes of Carlsbad, NM; daughter, Dr. Mari Forbes and husband, Mike Space of Albuquerque, NM; three grandchildren: Clay Space, Cole Space, and Garrett Forbes; two sisters: Glendi Stephenson and husband, Bob of Albuquerque, NM; and Janet Lewis of Albuquerque, NM; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Should friends desire to make memorial contributions, they may be made to Noah’s Ark, 5217 Buena Vista Dr., Carlsbad, NM 88220