Kay Fortner

Kay and Gary were so loved by our family and will always be loved by us!
They were there through good times and bad times, I always knew I could talk to Kay and she would listen and give advice, even if you didn't want to hear it. Kay engaged with you when you were talking to her one-on-one, she had a way of making you feel heard. I appreciated her so much for that.
I have a funny memory of asking her how to cook something, my mom was out traveling for her job and I decided to make dinner. I didn't know she was not known for her cooking until the dinner, which was not cooked all the way! Dad asked me what I did, I told him that I asked Mrs. Fortner how long to cook it and he said, well that was your first mistake! Needless to say, I didn't ask her how to cook anything from then on.
Jason and Aaron, I heard someone say after losing their parents that they were now the keepers of the legacy, or the memories of the parents now gone. You two and your wives have that responsibility now, to keep those memories alive in your children. I love you all and care about you and hope that you can keep Kay and Gary ever present in your lives, they were truly great people and so very loved.
Love always, Therese

Kay was engage. She had a healthy appreciation and a healthy skepticism for local and national politics. She was effective as both an.advocate and a diplomat.

My first meeting with Kay was when she came into the County Planning office (with Jason - a toddler) where Gary was the planning director and I was a new employee. She was so friendly it didn’t take long to become friends - a friendship that lasted many years.

Kay,
You were always such a warm, loving presence in the lives of my brothers and I. Looking back, I can't believe you and Gary trusted us (and our parents) to take care of your little dog Bob while you were out of town, but that just speaks to your gentle and loving nature! I'll never forget how caring and supportive of us you were as we all grew up. Thank you for all of your love and support.

- The Lyman Boys

I loved getting to know Kay and had the privilege of working with her at Meeker. She was ALWAYS doing things to provide the best opportunities for her students, her own children, and her wonderful grandkids! One memory was when I asked her to teach fifth grade, and she was more than willing to for the students but only if I would help her with the math skills. She was always willing to do anything for the students.

Caregivers and Patients

Kay was a wonderful mentor to me. She taught me how to make students my first priority! I became a teacher at her insistence! I loved every second of my teaching career!!

Kay, it’s Stack! And do I have a bushel basket full of jokes for you!!

And, yes I’m still getting in trouble!🤠
❤️Bob

Mrs Fortner, I will always remember you as such a strong woman. You helped me so much with my girls and I will be forever grateful for having you in my life. You and Gary were like an aunt and uncle to us Meilinger kids. I love you and miss you.

Wes and I have so many fond memories of having dinner with Kay, sharing stories, and laughing together. Kay’s passion for education and her family was always clearly evident.

Auntie Kay became, easily, one of my favorite relatives in my adult life. Her love and her realness is something I will always love about her.

What a great lady! I'm glad I got to meet her.

Kay,
When I took the ACT in high school and didn’t do as well as I wanted, you told me “Who cares? Take it again.” You totally changed my perspective and I always carried that memory and lesson of persistence with me.

Love you and miss you.
Tom

Smiling with you and missing you!