Beverly Fortney

Beverly Fortney

Beverly Fortney, 82, of Oskaloosa, died Saturday, February 4, 2012, at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. She was born June 9, 1929, at Oskaloosa, the daughter of James and Thelma Gorman Rodgers. She was trained as a nurse aide, and worked in that capacity early on at the Mahaska County Hospital, and later cared for the elderly in their home in Oskaloosa. On April 11, 1953, she was united in marriage to Nelson “Buck” Fortney at Memphis, Missouri; Buck died August 8, 2011. In 1969, they moved to Kingman, Arizona and she worked as a nurse aide in an emergency room of a hospital. She later operated a daycare out of her home in Arizona. Beverly and Buck moved back to Oskaloosa for a short time. They moved back west, to Nevada this time, and Beverly began caring for children in her home once they had settled. In 1989, they retired and moved back to Oskaloosa. She enjoyed painting ceramics and playing cards. She delighted in being a gracious host, everyone who stopped by to visit “needed” to eat, and nobody left her home hungry. She truly enjoyed spending time with her family.

Her family includes her two children and their spouses: Ron and Patricia Bloodsworth of Oskaloosa and Cynthia and Bill Pinegar of Marysville, Iowa; two step sons: Larry Fortney (& his companion Marie) of Florida and Harry (& Raylene) Fortney of Kelley, Iowa; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; a great great grandson; two sisters: Shirley Kay (& Herb) Jordan of Beacon, and Marilyn Cook of New Jersey; three brothers: Larry (& Jane) Rodgers of Ankeny, Gary (& Marie) Rodgers of Oskaloosa and David Joe (& Connie) Rodgers of University Park; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister: Donna Miller.

Graveside memorial services and burial will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa with Reverend Bryan Latchaw officiating. A procession will form at 2:10 p.m. Thursday at the Bates Funeral Chapel for those wishing to attend the graveside service. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. As was her wish her body has been cremated and no visitation is planned. Memorials may be made to Mahaska Hospice.