Mary Ellen (Johnson) Fortney, age 78, of Springfield, MO passed away Saturday, October 13, 2018. She was born February 25, 1940 in Carthage, MO to Elmer and Alta Johnson. Mary graduated from Monett High School in 1957 and was then employed as a Secretary for Randall Insurance Agency of Monett. On November 26, 1959 she married Gilbert Fortney and moved to Aurora, MO where Gilbert was employed. While living in Aurora, two sons were born, Larry and David. The family then moved to Springfield, MO where Gilbert had obtained work. Shortly afterwards a daughter, Karen was born. For most of her married life, Mary was a homemaker.
She gave her heart to the Lord at a very early age in the Free Will Baptist Church at Carterville, MO. God blessed her with a beautiful singing voice which she faithfully used in music programs of her churches. At the age of thirteen, she sang at her sister’s wedding and continued singing “specials” in church, weddings and at funerals.
At the age of 48, Mary returned to school at Ozark Technical College where she updated her secretarial skills. She was then employed by ABC Electric Company for eight years before retiring to enjoy music, painting, decorating, and gardening.
Mary was a wonderful Christian lady and will be sorely missed by her husband, Gilbert, family and friends.
She is survived by her husband Gilbert of Springfield, son Larry and wife Crystal of Broomfield Colorado, son David and wife Elizabete of Springfield, and daughter Karen of Springfield. Also surviving are six granddaughters, one grandson and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Elner Medlin of Springfield, Helen Fritz of Friestat, MO, and brother Jim Johnson of Monett, MO.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Elmer Johnson of Bozeman, MT.
Visitation for Mary will be at Greenlawn Funeral Home (South) on Wednesday, October 17 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home (South) on Thursday, October 18 at 1:00 pm.
Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery in Marionville, MO.