"Dear Family of Sherry Fortner, I'm so sorry to learn of this, 4 years later... Gerry was my 4th grade teacher and he would talk about Sherry now and then in class. As far as I'm concerned, Gerry and Sherry have to have been two of the most extraordinary people to grace the presence of the Carmel-Clay school system. Gerry always went above and beyond to ensure his pupils were aware of more than just themselves. We were always encouraged to think about something greater than ourselves, and serving others first. Of course that seemed crazy to our little minds as fourth graders, but there are so many things Mr. Fortner taught me that I think about on a near daily basis. I know Sherry was similar because I heard stories about other students of hers later in school... Thank you, Gerry, and I'm so sorry to learn of Sherry's passing.. I hope I get to see you again somehow, somewhere. Sincerely, andrew mejia"
In loving memory of
Sherry Fortner
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Sherry Fortner, Carmel/Indianapolis, passed away on Monday July 28, 2008 of a cancerous tumor in the brain. She was the daughter of the late Doyle and Viola Bowman. Sherry was born in Noblesville on November 17, 1939 and raised there. She is survived by her brother, Don (Mary) and their three children, several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is also survived by her husband of 41 years Gerry Fortner.
Sherry was a very active member of Money Makers Investment Club. She loved to travel throughout the U.S., play bridge, work in her yard and flower beds, making and organizing her extensive Christmas Village, and a charter member of the educational sororities Alpha Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was also instrumental in forming and the growth of her church, The Garden which meets at Beef and Boards Dinner Theater.
Sherry retired after 28 years of teaching in the Carmel schools; most of which were at Orchard Park Elementary School. There she was noted for her bee-hive study cubicles, her individualized reading program and her desire to help each student reach their potential.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, at the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel 740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, Indiana. Services will be held on Friday, August 1 at 10:00 am at the Beef and Boards Dinner Theater, 9301 N. Michigan Rd. with visitation there from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Sherry Fortner Scholarship through the Legacy fund of Hamilton County or to The Garden. Envelopes will be available. A special thank you is extended to the many volunteers who have helped through the challenging times of the past three months. www.leppertmortuary.com.
Tributes
"We are sorry to hear about Sherry's passing. I always enjoyed talking with her, when we were walking the dog. Gerry, you're in our prayers."
"Dear Mr. Fortner,Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your wonderful wife. I remember her from Orchard Park and I remember you as well. You were my teacher for the sixth grade when we had classes in the basement of the old Carmel High School.Mrs. Fortner was one of the best teachers in the Carmel School system and I'm sure she will be remembered as such.It was my pleasure to have known her if only for a short time.God bless you in this sad time.Melanie Lane-Graham CHS '76"
"Please accept my condolences and prayers for your family during this difficult time. I would like to share how Sherry Fortner touched my life. She was my 4th grade teacher in about 1976. I had just transferred into the Carmel schools. Through 2nd grade, I was a good student and loved to read. That changed in the 3rd grade. I had a teacher who had clearly already retired from teaching even though she showed up each day to collect her paycheck. While my grades in the 3rd grade were still good, my attitude was horrible, I was getting in trouble, and I had quit reading for pleasure. I then entered the 4th grade and met Sherry Fortner. I was pushed. I was challenged. I redeveloped my love of reading. I credit Sherry Fortner for this. She challenged me to meet tough goals, and made me want to exceed those goals. It worked. Through the years after the 4th grade I would occasionally run into Sherry around town, and she always remembered me. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn"
"Sherry and I went to school together Class of 1958. She was a great person."
"Sherry and I graduated together in 1958. We just celebrated our 50th year last April. I had heard you and Sherry were planning to join us at our reunion dinner and she was excited, looking forward to seeing so many classmates, unfortunately a week prior to that evening, she started feeling bad and had to cancel. All of us were so sorry she couldn't attend; more so that she has suffered so since that time. We missed seeing her that evening also. I know this is a difficult time for you as will the adjustments you will face without Sherry by your side. God be with you. "
"Sherry and I were both in the class of 1958. She always challenged me to work harder in math, a subject which was difficult for me; she seemed to sail through Mr. Staple's classes with a breeze. She was always the first to finish a bonus math problem, thus earning one of Mr. Staples "Montana Cartwheels," which was a silver dollar. Our lives never crossed after high school graduation, but I've never forgotten her. I know she will be missed and my prayers are with you. Linda"
"Sherry was a kind and generous person. We were in high school together and she was a respected upperclassman who shared her penchant for learning with all. She will be missed."
"The most wonderful classmate a person could have. Very Bright! Very Smart! President of the class! Her and I and four other women started G.A.A. in Noblesville when they would let us use the gym. Wonder Person and a Wonderful Teacher! Love You! "
"So sorry to hear of the death of Sherry and how she suffered the past few months. I am a retired nurse so I know how difficult that can be. I have also lost a daughter and know what it's like to miss one so dear.I was in the Class of '58 with Sherry in Noblesville, but unfortunately hadn't seen her since. She was a wonderful friend and absolutely brilliant. She was always very friendly and would help anyway she could.You are in my prayers and in my thoughts. "
"My fondest memory of Sherry was on a trip to Ft. Meyers for The Garden's Habitat for Humanity project. She took Winnie Harmon & I to see where she had her time share. She & I walked & played on the beach. All of us had a really great time that afternoon, as well as on the whole trip. She was a really wonderful & true friend. I will always remember her warm smile."
"Dear Uncle Gerry,We are all so saddened by the loss of Aunt Sherry. It is touching to read the fond memories of her friends, and a great tribute to read ones of former students and classmates. Our thoughts are with you. love, Chris and family"
"Dear Uncle Gerry, I am so sorry to have be unable to come up. With every blossom that has bloomed in my own garden this spring you and yours have been a thought and prayer in mine. I remember your wedding and the rendition of "Climb Every Mountain" it meant so much to know that this had been a theme of your lives and I know that Sherry did both figuratively and literally climb many. Your own careers inluenced my own teaching more than you know and I admire the dedication Sherry gave her students as it is rare enough. Keep that beautiful Christams village alive-- perhaps heaven has one for Sherry now in a garden of flowers!Our thoughts are with you, coffecake! Love Jan"
"It was so very rewarding working with the family and friends of Sherry's. I was honored to be the girl on the sidelines that night. The people I met, from family to friends, who gathered, coordinated and truly celebrated her life that evening was moving and made a deep impression on me. Thank you for sharing so much with me. I was sincerely touched by all those who worked hard on making her night so very special. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all during this time. Once again, thank you for sharing Sherry's life with me. I feel blessed I got to meet so many genuinely wonderful people that night. Tricia "