Ria K. Fortner, 83, of Homosassa, FL, passed away on Tues., April 1, 2014 at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center in Crystal River, FL. A native of Lauterbach, Germany, she was born June 30, 1930 to Heinrich and Marie (Ruppel) Otterbein, one of five children. On June 30, 1967, she married Vernon Fortner, who preceded her in death on May 26, 2002. Ria came to the United States in August of 1974 and became a U.S. citizen in 1987 while living in Ellsinore, MO. Mrs. Fortner was of the Lutheran faith and was an accomplished dancer. She loved the ocean and loved to swim and was a member of VFW Post #8189, Homosassa; German-American Club, Beverly Hills; Loyal Order of Moose #2013, Crystal River, and Fraternal Order of Eagles, Homosassa. Ria was also devoted and actively involved in the Girl Scouts of America in the Ellsinore area. She is survived by her four children: Yvonne Miller (John Pope), Poplar Bluff, MO; Marianne Johnson (husband Doug), Livermore, CA; Rennate Schaeffer (Guenther), Germany; Herbert Baetza (Evelyne Soboto), Germany; stepson Jean Traisnel (wife Freddye), Virginia; nephew Walter Fortner, St Louis, MO; sister Mary Dobnikar (Donald Affelder), Dunnellon, FL; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL. www.wilderfuneral.com
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