Ricky Lee Forth

XENIA - Ricky Lee "Rick" Forth, 69, of Xenia, passed to his eternal reward on July 9, 2025.

Rick was born in Fairfield 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 Nov. 3, 1979 in Flora, 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, Allison E. Price (Tyler) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Abraham L. Forth (Katelyn) of Nashville and Anna E.R. Mickelson (Joe) of Lamoni, Iowa. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren whom he and Elizabeth adored; 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, Elliott State Bank in Jacksonville, Knapp Oil Company in Xenia and Built-Mor Buildings in Bluford. He held leadership roles in the Illinois Fuel and 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 Tuesday, July 15, at Brush Creek, with Elder Keith Ryan presiding and Elder Abraham Forth providing the eulogy. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the funeral to follow. A private family burial will occur thereafter. Arrangements are by Frank and 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 the family with kind words, meals, memories and prayers, please know that your love has been felt during this difficult time.