Betty Forthum

Betty Forthum

1943 – 2025

ZIONSVILLE, INDIANA - Betty Jean (Hough) Forthum, 82, passed away on March 24, 2025, in Zionsville, Indiana.

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., at Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Care, 125 West Sycamore St., Zionsville, Indiana.

Born on Feb. 2, 1943, Betty was a graduate of Zionsville High School. She dedicated much of her life to being a homemaker, later working at Crossroads, where she found joy in interacting with patients and staff. Known for her lighthearted tradition of picking-up pennies and placing them in her shoe, her colleagues honored her on her last day by scattering pennies for her to collect—an enduring testament to the warmth and humor she brought to those around her.  

Betty had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. She loved sitting on her patio, taking in the beauty of nature and wildlife. She enjoyed puzzles, word games, and reading the daily newspaper. A fan of 1950s music, she also found joy in traveling with her husband to watch him play slow-pitch softball and visiting casinos to try her luck at the slot machines. She always looked forward to garage sale hunting, especially with her grandchildren. 

She was a devoted member of Salem Methodist Church of Zionsville. 

Betty is survived by her loving husband, Eldon Forthum; daughters Alesa Riley and Laurie Burris; sons-in-law Shawn Riley and Wes Burris; grandchildren Tiffany, Megan, Abbigail, Brooke, Beck, Jett, and Maisie; and brothers Murt and Fred Hough.   

Betty’s energy and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort and joy to those she leaves behind.