Obituary of Sandra Kay Fortner
Sandra Kay Stepp was born on January 3, 1945 in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of eight children born to Robert Stepp and Alberta (Parrot) Stepp. Sandra graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1963. On September 12, 1964 she wed Nelson “Eddie” Fortner at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. The couple enjoyed fifty-seven years of marriage and were blessed with three children. During the early years of her married life, Sandra was employed as an administrative assistant at Memorial Hospital in Monroe. However, once her children were born Sandra made it her life’s work to take care of the needs of her home and family. A loving mother and Nana who’s hugs were the best.
Sandra and her husband took their children to visit Bambi Lake Baptist Camp in Roscommon, Michigan every year. They loved the area so much they purchased a cottage which they enjoyed for more than thirty years. A bird watcher, Sandra, hung a bird feeder in every tree on their property. She was even known to leave out a few peanuts for the resident squirrel!
As a young woman, Sandra sang at church alongside her sisters. The group christened themselves “The Stepp Sisters”. Sandra was also a talented pianist and played for various churches throughout Monroe County for many years. She shared her gift of music with nursing home residents and tenants of Fairview in Monroe, as well. Community service was very important to Sandra. She donated generously to Oaks of Righteousness and once, with the help of her family, sent over six hundred Christmas cards to the elderly. A woman of God, she shared her strong faith with anyone she could. Sandra was a sweet and genuine person, beautiful inside and out. She never spoke ill of anyone and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.
Sandra Kay Fortner, age 77, of Monroe passed away at home on Wednesday; March 23, 2022. Her passing was preceded by her parents; a brother: Tom Stepp; and two sisters: Vergie McNew and Imogene Robertson.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband of more than fifty-seven years: Eddie Fortner; one daughter: Rebecca “Becky” (Shannon) Fortner; twin sons: Thomas Nelson Fortner and Timothy Mitchel Fortner; six grandchildren: Anissa (Vanessa) Fortner, Stephanie Fortner, Elizabeth Fortner, Zachary (Stephanie) Miller, Zachary Wolfe, and Nicholas Fortner; great granddaughters: Sophie and Ivy Miller; one sister: June Stepp; three brothers: Mark Stepp, Bob (Ann) Stepp, and Sam (Darlene) Stepp; a sister in-law: Michele (Craig) Mead; many nieces and nephews; and a feline friend: “Chloe”, the miracle kitty found under the hood of a car and whom Sandra adored.
Friends may gather on Monday; March 28, 2022 from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Sandra’s Life with begin at 2:00pm also at Merkle’s. Private entombment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
