Susan L. Fortner, age 63 of Elwood, passed away with her loving husband by her side Wednesday August 15, 2012 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis after a lifelong battle with lupus. She was born November 8, 1948 in Mitchell, Indiana, the daughter of Ray G. and Edna (Miller) Merry. She was a homemaker most of her life, and formerly worked as a legal secretary for a patent attorney in Indianapolis and as a medical secretary in Indianapolis and Greensburg for several years. Susan was a 1966 graduate of Mitchell High School. She married Donald E. Fortner on December 29, 1968. Susan had bravely battled with illness from an early age after being diagnosed with lupus at the age of 16. She was an active member of the Heartland Church in Sharpsville where she was involved with the Intercessory Prayer Group and was a leader in the "Art of Marriage" couples classes. She especially enjoyed praying, cooking healthy meals for her family, and reading. Her favorite books were the Bible and "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn, and she had read the book multiple times during her life for strength and encouragement. She had worked as a volunteer for Community VNA Hospice for many years. Despite Susan's health issues, she lived a full and joyous life, and was a shining example of faith lived out. She was a devoted wife and mother; and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.

Susan's surviving family includes her parents, Ray G. and Edna Merry of Mitchell; husband of 43 years, Donald E. Fortner of Elwood; son, Jason A. (wife Shelbi) Fortner of Lebanon; daughter, Laura N. (husband Ken) Bubp of Noblesville; brother, Alan Merry of Dallas, TX; sister, Eve (Ron) Neal of Anderson; 6 grandchildren, Kate Fortner, Lucy Fortner, Matt Fortner, Elliott Susan Fortner, Julia Bubp, and Greta Bubp; and 2 nieces, Cara (Morgan) Schulz and Lindsay (Jason) Campbell.

A celebration of life service will be conducted on Monday, August 20, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Heartland Church – 3611 North St. Rd. 19, Sharpsville with Rev. Nathan Salsbury and Rev. William Salsbury officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 PM Sunday, August 19, 2012 at Heartland Church and one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday. Arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heartland Legacy and Prayer Fund. Online condolences to the Fortner family may be made at: www.copherfeslermay.com