Judith "Judy" Ann (Schwab) Fortman's Obituary
Judith "Judy" Fortman Obituary
Judith "Judy" Ann Fortman, 77, died Thursday, June 19, 2014, at 6:40 p.m., at The Meadows at Putnam Acres, Ottawa, Ohio. She was born January 23, 1937, in New Bavaria, Ohio to Alton and Henrietta (Breese) Schwab, who preceded her in death. On June 30, 1956, she married Gerald "Jerry" R. Fortman, who survives. Judy was a graduate of Holgate High School, class of 1955. She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Columbus Grove. While raising their six children, she also helped run the family business, Fortman Cleaners in Columbus Grove. She was a strong but quiet community supporter, most notable forming the Columbus Grove Pool Preservation Group and joining forces with the Grove Pool Society to renovate, restore and save the historic Columbus Grove Swimming Pool. She had a large number of creative and artistic talents and was a poet, painter and seamstress. She used her sharp humor and wit to create and direct the local Lions Club Variety Show for many years. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Jonah Ukiwe and the staff at the Kidney Services West Central Ohio in Lima, for their years of excellent care, compassion and friendship. Surviving family include six children: Leslie (Jim) Smith of Bloomfield, Indiana, Wendy Fortman Bechtol of Lima, Ohio, Christopher (Rhonda) Fortman; Daniel (Nikki) Fortman; Gretchen (Tim) Staley and Eric (Stephani) Fortman all of Columbus Grove, Ohio; thirteen grandchildren: Holly (Phil) Mix; James A. (Nichol) Smith; Leigh Smith; Joseph (Holly Riley) McName; Jillian Bechtol; Victoria (Catlin) Mason; Abrielle Fortman; Aidan Fortman; Haley (Matthew) McVicker; James Fortman; Katelind Fortman; Brynn Fortman and Elyse Fortman. Step-grandson, Austin (Lexi) Hoyt. Nine great-granddaughters; Ava Smith; Maewynn, Avonlea, and Eilena Mix; Destynne and Nova McName; Payton Bechtol; Marley Mason; and Isla McVicker. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2014 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Columbus Grove. Reverend Tom Extejt will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery, Columbus Grove, Ohio. Friends may call on Saturday, June 21, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00pm and Sunday, June 22, 2014, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00pm where a scripture service will follow visitation at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Kidney Services of West Central Ohio Patient Assistance Fund, 750 West High Street, Suite 100, Lima, Ohio 45801; or St. Anthony School Endowment Fund, 520 West Sycamore, Columbus Grove, Ohio 45830. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hartmansonsfunealhome.com.
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