Carol Louise Fortner, Freeport, passed away on July 22, 2023, at the age of 95, at the Ascension Living St. Joseph Village, Freeport, Illinois. Carol was born June 23, 1928 to Earl and Maida (Geil) Carr in their home in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Carol attended 13 different schools growing up.  Her father set up tire recapping businesses at many locations across the United States.  She was baptized upon her confession of faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord at Gulfhaven Mennonite Church in Gulfport.  She met Dorvin Fortner while she was living in Denver, Colorado where he was serving in Civilian Public Service.  She faithfully attended and was an active member in the Freeport Mennonite Church her entire married life.  Carol was never afraid to share her love for the Lord with others.  She was a very positive example to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Carol loved to care for others and was a wonderful hostess.  She loved to sing and sang in a ladies' sextet for over 40 years.

Carol married Dorvin Fortner, of Freeport, Illinois, on June 23, 1946 in Gulfport, Mississippi.  They farmed together in the Dakota/Rock City area until they retired.  They shared 73 years of married life and were blessed with three children:  Linda, Jerry, and Glenna Fay.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Linda (Norm) Yoder, Henderson, Nebraska, Jerry (Deb) Fortner, Davis and Glenna Fay Bergey (David Haun), McMinnville, Oregon; grandchildren, Jennifer (Dickson) Sommers, Harrisonburg, Virginia, Derek (Joy) Yoder, Hesston, Kansas, Christie (Steve) Moss, Rock City, Jeremy (Amber) Fortner, Dakota, Sara (Matt) Whitfield, Dundee, Oregon, and Luke (Samantha) Bergey, McMinnville, Oregon.  Great grandchildren, Aliyah Sommers, Cedon, Caryn, and Callie Yoder, Caleb Moss, Ben and Ellen Fortner, Carter, Kate, and Myla Whitfield, and Faye Bergey.  Also, Juanita (Carl) Thomas who was raised by Dorvin's parents. She is also survived by sisters Ruth Irby, Virginia Richards and Phyllis (Billy) Newman, all of Gulfport, Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl & Maida Carr, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Almon & Salome Fortner, brother Gene, sisters, Earlene Rhoads, and Clara Anne Weaver, several brothers-in-law and many other family and friends.

Carol will be cremated and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.