Martha Rozella Fortner

Fortner ­ Martha Rozella, daughter of Benjamin and Veronica Shoemaker, was born in Covington, Ohio, Aug. 20, 1857; departed from this life on June 4, 1949, after a lingering illness; aged 91 y. 9 m. 14 d. On Nov. 25, 1879 she was married to John V. Fortner, who preceded her in death, as did also one son (Ellis) and 3 brothers (.J. S., George, and Clinton). Surviving are 5 children (Almon, Dakota, Ill, Mrs. Fanny Gramley, Mrs. Ollie Pfile, Mrs. Edna Smith, all of Lancaster Twp., Ill.; and Mrs. Orpha Detwiler, Leonard, Mo.), one sister (Mrs. Emma Meck, Rensselaer, Ind.), 26 grandchildren, and 48 great-grandchildren. A two-year-old child (Vernon Shellenberger) was received into her home to be nurtured in the way of thy Lord, which nurturing continued until he left home in his latter teens to attend school at Hesston. He passed away four years ago. She was a kind and affectionate mother and was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever opportunity afforded and as long as strength was given her. She was an active member of the Freeport Mennonite Church, having served many years as the deaconess. Funeral services were held at the home of Mrs. William Pfile, Freeport, Ill., where she passed away, and at the Freeport Mennonite Church, conducted by Howard Zehr, assisted by A. C. Good.
Gospel Herald - Volume XLII, Number 29 - July 19, 1949 - pages 702, 703

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