Florence was the ninth and last child born to John Henderson Kirby and Agnes Johnston. Her father passed away five weeks prior to her birth. She was a devoted daughter to her Scottish mother and had a deep bond with her siblings. After growing up in Blackfoot, she studied at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, and at Pocatello General Hospital, where she earned her nursing degree in 1944. Florence served in the U.S. Army Nurse Core in California, Utah and Japan during World War II. She worked in the Idaho Falls LDS Hospital and helped open Bingham Memorial Hospital as a nursery supervisor. Her service in this capacity brought her great joy and gratitude from those recipients of her devotion and sacrifice. Florence enjoyed working for private doctors in the Blackfoot area. She loved being a nurse. She was pleased to see that some of her granddaughters are pursuing a nursing career. After her marriage to Harold Forbush on Oct. 30, 1953, in Idaho Falls LDS Temple, the couple lived in Driggs. From this time forward, her life was in the service of her husband and her children. She loved visiting, especially the elderly. She had a special gift in seeing the needs of others and meeting those needs. In June 1966, the family moved from Teton Valley to Rexburg. Florence enjoyed making quilts for her family, and everyone loved her potato salad. At Christmastime, her family and neighbors were the recipients of her delicious peanut brittle. Upon Harold's retirement as Madison County magistrate, they moved to Idaho Falls and enjoyed 16 years there.

Florence had a love for roses and tended her flower garden with care. She always enjoyed it when her grandchildren came to visit. Her sense of humor seemed to help others forget about their worries and brighten their day. Her motto was "Keep smiling." Due to declining health, in August 2001 they moved back to Rexburg to be closer to their family. Florence was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had great love for her family, faith and country. Her example of service and devotion to her husband, her example of love and acceptance, and her courageous ability to endure to the end is a legacy she will leave to those who knew her best.

Florence is survived by her husband; sons, Hal and Kirby (the late Jodi Jensen); and daughter, Gale (Scott) Willmore. She is also survived by two older sisters, Violet Packer and Catherine Jensen, as well as 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Preceding were siblings John (died in infancy), John Kirby, Agnes Knapton, James Kirby, George Kirby and Andrew Kirby; and infant daughter Agnes Blanche. Funeral services held Saturday, March 27th at Flamm Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and again from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services both times at the funeral home. Interment will be in Sugar City Cemetery. Military rites will be performed by the Madison County Veterans.