PALM COAST, Fla. -- Madeline N. Forbes, 85, of Palm Coast, formerly of Elkhart, Ind., died at 7 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 20, 2009) in Florida Hospital Flagler.

She was born Feb. 20, 1924, in Staten Island, N.Y., to Carl and Anna (Nielson) Nelson. She married Robert C. Forbes, who survives in Palm Coast along with one son, Geoffrey (Jennifer) Forbes of Evansville, Ind.; two daughters, Claire (Frederick) Herczeg of Agoura Hills, Calif., and Melissa (Michael Peter) Demos of Denver; and two granddaughters.

Mrs. Forbes was a homemaker and avid gardener. She was a member of St. Marks by the Sea Lutheran Church, Palm Coast, and an active member of the Altar Guild and Hand Bell Choir.

There will be no visitation. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart, with Pastor Tim Diemer of Grace Lutheran Church, Elkhart, officiating.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is assisting with local arrangements. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.