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.