Obituary of Phyllis Fortner

Phyllis Ann Ridner was born in Monroe on December 2, 1940. She was one of seven children from the union of the late Oakley Ridner and Nola (Vandegrift) Diekman. Phyllis attended Monroe Public Schools. Phyllis married the love of her life, Arnold Fortner on May 19, 1963 in Monroe. She lived a life of service to others. For many years, she was a homemaker, caring for the needs of her husband and children. As a young mother, she balanced being a waitress around the needs of her family. Later in life, she worked as an Aide and in the Housekeeping Department at Mercy Memorial Hospital retiring in 2000. Phyllis came from a family of excellent bowlers and not surprisingly, she excelled herself being in the champion division for twenty years at Nortel Lanes. She also enjoyed playing bunko and bingo wherever and whenever she could. Two of things that Phyllis valued the most were faith and family. She practiced her faith as a long-time member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. When it came to her family, Holidays gatherings were her favorite, and she could be counted on to make her grandchildren's events no matter how far the distance. Phyllis Ann Fortner, age 75, of Monroe, passed away at 3:54 pm on Friday, January 15, 2016 at home. In addition to her parents and her husband in October of 2013, her passing was preceded by two sons: Robert Fortner and Gary Fortner; a brother: Arnold Ridner; and three sisters: Linda Wright, Carol Fackler, and Florence Williamson. To cherish her memory she leaves three daughters: Connie (Bill) Giznsky, Vickie (Gary) Werner, and Kimberly Fortner; daughter-in-law: Jennifer Fortner-Fischer (Matt); brother: Gary (Linda) Ridner; sister: Kathy Jay; eight grandchildren: Rachel Giznsky, Melissa Giznsky, William Giznsky III, Timothy (Cassie) Werner, Daniel (Karla) Werner, Joey Fortner, Aleah Fortner-Fischer, Megan Fortner-Fischer; and seven great-grandchildren: Lucas and Kaelah Burns, Madison and Bella Giznsky, Abigail, Kallie, and Karter Werner. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Monday, January 18, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie (734) 241-7070. She will lie in state from 1:00pm until a Celebration of Her Life at 2:00pm on Tuesday, January 19 at Monroe Missionary Baptist, 14260 South Dixie. Procession will follow to Roselawn. Memorials are suggested to Monroe Missionary Baptist Church or Promedica Monroe Hospice. Online guests may leave condolences by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.