Yvonne Fortner

1938 - 2024

Yvonne Fortner
07/07/1938 - 02/03/2024
Yvonne Fortner died the morning of February 3rd, 2024 at the age of 85 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by loved ones after returning from a cruise with her one true love.
Sara Yvonne (Barton) Fortner was born on July 7th, 1938 in Brownsboro, Texas to Richard Alvin Barton and Belle Pauline (Smith) Barton. She is the second of four siblings born to her parents and was half-sister to her father Alvin's children from a former marriage. She graduated from Odessa High School in 1956 where she competed at state level as a member of the synchronized swim team. After graduation from OHS in 1956, Yvonne completed college courses with Odessa Jr. College, BYU, and Hobbs Jr. College, and went on to work in the oil field supply industry. During this time, she had a blind date, that she almost canceled, with a young man recently discharged from the U.S. Army and employed in the natural gas industry. She fell in love with that man, Joe Fortner, and he became her devoted husband, best friend and soul mate for 66 years.
Yvonne poured her love into her husband and their two children, Sara and Bo. She was a model wife and mother; strong, respected, generous with her heart and above all, loving. She was known for her strong values, faith and generosity. Yvonne followed Joe in his numerous moves as a result of his profession in the natural gas industry. Some of those locations being Goldsmith, TX, Oil Center, NM, Montezuma Creek, UT, Algeria, North Africa and the Navajo Indian Reservation. She also lived in some more livable locations around the state of Texas before settling into a home in Houston, TX in 2010 to be closer to family (mostly the grandkids).
Some of Yvonne's favorite pastimes included painting, home décor, and playing dominoes, Bunco and card games with her family and friends. She especially loved to play bridge. In her younger years, she played tennis and later become an avid golfer.
Yvonne had a deep and abiding faith in God and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. She loved her church and enjoyed volunteering with organizations in every place the family lived. So often this led to leadership positions such as President of the PTA and librarian at First Baptist Church in Midland, TX and CFBC Jersey Village. Her most rewarding effort was organizing the nursing home nail salon on Fridays. What started as a fun casual event turned into a permanent activity at the facility.
Yvonne is survived by her husband, Joe Fortner, son, Bo (Jo Marie) Fortner, grandchildren, Brianna (Rob) Crandall, Riley (Landon) Thomas, Reagan Fortner, and great-grandchildren, Kylie McCarty, Liam Crandall and May Crandall. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and daughter, Sara.
A family and friend gathering will be held Wednesday, February 7, 2024 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am with a celebration of life to immediately begin at 10:00 am at Klein Funeral Home - Cy-Fair 9719 Wortham Blvd, Houston, TX 77065.
Arrangements are entrusted to Klein Funeral Home-Cy Fair. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite local charity or the library at CFBC Jersey Village.
Further information can be found online at www.kleinfh.com.