Flora Jean "Sue" Fortney

It is with heavy hearts that we share, after a long battle with illness, Flora Jean Fortney (aka Sue) passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026. Her family  all  joined around her sharing their love and warm and gentle goodbyes in the hours prior to her passing.

Flora was given the nickname Suzie-Q as a young girl, which stuck for many years until her last days when she became Flora Jean again.

Flora was born on May 3, 1942, in Cuba, Illinois, to Donald Hendryx and Dorothy Bellamy. She married Lindell Lee Fortney, on November 11th, and together they built a life rooted in devotion, hard work, and family. In 1973, Flora, Lindell, and their daughter moved to Colorado, where Flora would spend the rest of her days. Shortly after settling into their new home, she welcomed a son, completing their family.

Before moving to Colorado, Flora worked as a secretary for the State of Illinois. Once in Colorado, she continued to work in various roles, always bringing diligence and care to everything she did. Yet the role that meant the most to her—the one she embraced with joy and pride—was that of homemaker. Flora found deep fulfillment in caring for her family, especially through her love of baking. Her cakes and pies became treasured staples at family gatherings; each one made with the warmth and generosity that defined her.

Flora also had a passion for home cooking meals, planting flowers, sewing, and gardening, tending to her plants with the same gentle attention she offered to the people in her life. She blessed many with her kindness, always ready to help anyone in need. Though her life may have seemed simple to some, Flora lived with a profound sense of contentment. Flora carried Jesus in her heart and found peace and joy listening to the Bill Gaither Band, watching Lawrence Welk; and she also adored Elvis Presley. Throughout Flora’s journey, she never forgot Cuba Illinois. In her last days, in her mind, that is where she lived. And through it all, she never lost her spunk and sass — a spark that made her unforgettable.

Family:

Flora is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Gina Jeff Huppert; her son, Robert Fortney; her grandson, Zach Lehman; her great‑granddaughter, Iayalla Wishar; and her sister, Sharon Lacewell. She was preceded in death by her mother Dorothy Howarter, dad Everett Howarter, husband, Lindell Fortney; her sisters, Sandra Leavenstein and Judith Apodaca; and her brother, Bill Hendryx.

You will forever be in our hearts; we say goodbye until we meet again.

A private Memorial and Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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