Obituaries

Ralph W. Fortna, 84

February 13, 2014

Ralph W. Fortna, 84, of Lititz, passed away on February 13, 2014 at Lancaster General Hospital.
Born on August 17, 1929 in Jonestown, PA, he was the son of the late John H. and Tillie R. (Wentling) Fortna.

He graduated from Jonestown High School in 1947 and Lebanon Valley College in 1957.

Ralph was a member of the Lititz Church of the Brethren, and retired from teaching in the Cocalico School District in 1983. He also worked for Hess Eggs in Ephrata, PA and Wickes Lumber, and was a part-time handyman.

He was a former pastor of the Evangelical United Brethren Church serving at Chambers Hill and Ebenezer Churches in Harrisburg, PA, Stoverdale and Shopes Churches, Hummelstown, PA, Zion Church in Aristes, PA, and Mount Pisgah Church, Philadelphia, PA.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 63 years, Louella (Weaver) Fortna, whom he married on August 20, 1950; one daughter, Lillian Mae DeHart, wife of Peter of Middletown, PA; 7 sons: Edward Fortna, Akron, PA, Harold Fortna, husband of Joanna, Bradford, MA, Ronald Fortna, husband of Sabrina, Joshua Tree, CA, Dennis Fortna, St. Louis, MO, Bernard Fortna, husband of Joyce, Hollidaysburg, PA, Andrew Fortna, husband of Jane Dudley, Pittsburgh, PA, and John Fortna, husband of Debbie, Canonsburg, PA; 25 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and three brothers: Alfred, Kenneth, and Donald Fortna. He was predeceased by one son, Theodore P. Fortna, and one brother, Edward Fortna.

A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz on Tuesday, February 18th at 2:00 pm with Rev. Robert Kettering presiding. Viewing will be one hour before the service. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lititz Church of the Brethren, 300 W. Orange St., Lititz, PA 17543; Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606; or to American Diabetes Association, 301 Chestnut St., Ste 101, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

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Condolences to the Family

February 26, 2014

My condolences to you all. I remember Mr. Fortna as such a kind man. Always with a smile and a friendly hello. It is hard to see that generation of true gentlemen and ladies slowly leaving us. I know he will be missed.
Ed Nevling

February 19, 2014

I always enjoyed the brief time I got to spend with my great-uncle Ralph at family gatherings. He was so warm, easy to talk to and friendly, I will miss him and we will be praying for Aunt Louella. Love, Ben & Shannon Dambman

February 18, 2014

Growing up we always loved our visits with Aunt Louella and Uncle Ralph and family. Uncle Ralph would always joke around with us as well as be one to have good, solid advice. We knew he cared for us. Always loved that he was a teacher, like me. We give our love, sympathy, and prayers to Aunt Louella and the family.
Love, Jayne and Bob Dambman

February 18, 2014

Please accept my condolences to the family. Mr. Fortna was my fourth grade teacher at Denver Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Julie (Ryan) Yousefi

February 17, 2014

Ralph and Louella and their children were very special to my parents, Jay and Mae Greiner. I well remember their arriving in a good size , older black car. Usually they would come for supper. My brothers and I had good times with their older children, Lillian, Edward, and Harold. Ralph took a genuine interest in the courses I was taking in high school and gave some counsel. Through the years it seemed that Ralph and Louella were always there. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Louella and your family. May the Lord give you peace and comfort.
Love, Stanley and Esther Greiner (Minnesota)

February 17, 2014

Aunt Louella and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Your sister Pauline sends her love and her condolences as she tells me of so many happy memories of Ralph, you and your family. I hope you have the time to be together, as the days ahead will be difficult but the memories in time will help you ease the pain.
Love Eloise (Schauer) Hirschauer

February 16, 2014

Thoughts and prayers are with you Louella and your family. I think of you often. I will always remember the many talks we had at church. May God give you peace and comfort.
Wendy Reinford

February 16, 2014

We are so sad to learn of Uncle Ralph’s passing. He and Aunt Louella were more than relation, they were also dear friends with whom we enjoyed many visits and attending various events together. We will greatly miss Raph’s positive attitude, enthusiasm for life, wise counsel, and friendship. Our condolences to Aunt Louella and all of our cousins. Your husband and father was ‘one of a kind’ and will be greatly missed!
Love, Clair & Myrl Greiner

Visitation: Tuesday, February 18, 2014; 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM; Chapel at Brethren Village; 3001 Lititz Pike; Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services: Tuesday, February 18, 2014; 2:00 PM; Chapel at Brethren Village; 3001 Lititz Pike; Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >