Marian Fortney

Marian F. Fortney of North Little Rock, age 85, died October 3, 2008. Born June 8, 1923 to Dr. George M. and Marjorie C. Funne of Osceola, Wisconsin. She grew up in Osceola, Wisconsin. She attended Osceola public schools and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood Education. She was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and was active in various musical and choral groups.

After graduation she elected to teach school. She was recruited to teach first grade at Honokaa, Hawaii. During the summer break of 1947 she worked for a travel agency in Honolulu. In October of 1947 she reluctantly agreed to a blind date. The date turned out to be Captain Bob Fortney, United States Air Force. Fortney was in Honolulu to play baseball in the All-Pacific tournament as a member of the Air Force team, representing all services on Guam, Marianas Islands. The couple clicked and dated for three weeks, until Bob returned to Guam.

In December, 1947 Marian returned to Osceola, WI to help her Mother care for her Father, who had become seriously ill. In February 1948 Bob returned from Guam and visited Minneapolis to see Marian. Their romance continued and in June 1948 they were married in Orlando, Florida. They began a great life of adventure and further travel. During their 60 years of marriage they traveled all over the US and to some 50 different countries. Marian liked to tell that she and her family traveled around the world, East to West; but with a two year lay-over in Guam, Marianas Islands. (1966 - 1968). In June 2008, Bob and Marian completed their last trip together when they went back to Bermuda to celebrate once again at the place where they had spent their honeymoon in 1948.

After their marriage Marian became a very active Air Force wife, participating in many Base activities and volunteer work. As Bob?s responsibilities advanced so did Marian. She became a great cook and an outstanding hostess and truly enjoyed entertaining. She was an outstanding mother and devoted full time to her motherly responsibilities, especially so when Bob was away on military assignments. Two days after their 25th anniversary, they moved into a new house which became their 20th permanent address. They then lived there for 28 years.

Marian loved flowers and home decorating. Her homes were always showcases with many decorations from places they had lived or visited.

Bob and Marian were life-long Methodists; but for 23 years they attended Air Force Chapels. When Colonel Fortney retired from the Air Force in 1971 they moved to North Little Rock and joined Lakewood United Methodist Church. They became very active members. With Marian serving on the Administrative Board several times, as well as President of the United Methodist Women and many committees of the Church, including being President of the George Martin Sunday School Class.

She became a member of Chapter ?W? of the Sisterhood of PEO, holding several committee assignments including serving as Chapter President.

When Bob became a Rotarian, Marian became a great Rotary spouse, traveling with him to numerous functions including eleven Rotary International Conventions. She is a Paul Harris Fellow and a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation.

Marian and Bob have two children, Lynn, who was born in Macon, Georgia and now lives in Birmingham, Alabama; and Rob who was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and now lives in Lafayette, Indiana. They have five grandchildren: Laura Fortney Gwaltney (Bill) of Fayetteville, AR; Jyll Fortney Latham (Joe) of Little Rock, AR; Marian Fortney Earnest of Birmingham, AL; Brian R. Fortney of North Little Rock, AR; and Katie Lea Fortney of Springfield, MO and two great-grand children, Caleb Latham and Josie Earnest.

Survivors include her husband, Colonel A. Robert Fortney, children Lynn (Scott Plutchak) and Rob, the grand and great grand children listed above as well as cousins, Alice C. Olson of Rochester, Minnesota and Catherine C. Hughes (John) of Wilmington, Delaware.

Memorial services will be held at Lakewood United Methodist Church, Fairway & Topf, North Little Rock, at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 7, 2008. Interment will be at the Veteran?s Cemetery, on Maryland Ave., North Little Rock. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary and guest register: www.northlittlerockfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lakewood United Methodist Church, Fairway & Topf, North Little Rock, AR 72116.

The family would like to give special thanks to Arkansas Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Marian during her final days.