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Jenny Forbes peacefully passed away on June 13, 2026, at the age of 81.
Born Hazel Virginia Bailey on Aug. 16, 1944, in Dyess, Arkansas, she was lovingly known as Jenny throughout her life. At the age of 10, she moved with her mother, Alma, and her grandparents to Fort Morgan, Colorado. There, she was raised alongside her siblings by her mother and her stepfather, John Zambo, who became the father she knew and loved.
As a young woman, Jenny was honored to be crowned Miss Fort Morgan and later received the title of Miss Congeniality in the Miss Colorado Pageant at the age of 19. Following high school, she attended beauty school in Denver, Colorado, beginning a career as a beautician that spanned more than 40 years. Throughout those years, many of her clients became cherished lifelong friends.
Jenny married Ray Forbes in 1966. During Ray's military service, the couple was stationed in Germany, where they welcomed their first daughter, Gina. After returning to the United States, they welcomed their second daughter, Angie. Over the years, the family made homes in Colorado, Wyoming, and Arizona before Jenny and Ray divorced in 1995.
In 2016, Jenny moved from Fort Morgan, Colorado, to Powell, Wyoming, where she made her home at Rocky Mountain Manor. She treasured the friendships she formed there and deeply appreciated the kindness and hospitality of the residents and staff.
Blessed with a green thumb, Jenny could grow just about anything with a little soil and water. She also found great joy in music and singing, performing with the Sweet Adelines and with the Cody United Methodist Church Choir.
Jenny is survived by her daughters, Gina (Jon) Sowerwine of Wapiti, Wyoming, and Angie (Tim) Foley of Cody, Wyoming; her grandchildren, Miles (Jay Kawano) Sowerwine, Joey Sowerwine, Michael Sowerwine, Emma Foley and Owen Foley; her great-grand-twins, Roman and Jaxon Sowerwine; her siblings, Linda (Rick) Mann of Jasper, Texas, Dave (Bev) Bailey of Fort Morgan, Colorado, and Tammy Zambo (Nancy Nienhuis) of North Reading, Massachusetts; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends who will miss her greatly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alma and John Zambo; and her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Kenny Viers.
Jenny's commitment to helping others extended to the end of her life. Through Donor Alliance, she participated in the organ donation process, honoring a cause that was deeply important to her.
A Celebration of Life barbecue with Jenny's favorite foods will be held on Sunday, July 19, at 5 p.m. at Washington Park. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and to celebrate the life of Jenny.
