Whitney Marie Fortner

Whitney Marie Fortner, 31, passed away from an automobile accident in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. She arrived in this world on January 1, 1993, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is the daughter of Jodi M. (Essex) Vanausdall and Jeffrey H. Fortner. Whitney was raised in Lebanon, Indiana. Growing up, Whitney had many nicknames, including “Witness,” “Whittles,” and “Tater.” As a child, she made many good memories with her cousins, whether it be playing Disney Monopoly, helping clean someone’s room, or singing occasional karaoke. Whitney graduated from Lebanon High School in 2011. After high school, she worked in a variety of restaurants where she was well loved by those she served. She also worked at Signature Healthcare at Parkwood. She recently moved to Colorado and fell in love with the area. To Whitney, friends were just as meaningful and important to her as her family. She enjoyed spending time with each and every one of them. As an adult, Whitney remained an avid Disney fan, and she visited Disney World many times. Whitney loved the ocean, and this reflected her free and adventurous soul. She also enjoyed being outdoors, camping, kayaking, or just floating down the river with loved ones and friends. Whitney was known as a kind and fun-loving individual who loved making memories with her friends and family. Whitney attended Freedom Church for a time and was baptized there in 2016. Whitney’s sweet and kind presence will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Those left to cherish her memory include her mother and stepfather, Jodi and Kerry Vanausdall of Lebanon; father, Jeff Fortner of Tampa, Florida; brothers, Nick (Ashley) Fortner of Lebanon and Isaac Fortner of Jamestown; grandparents, Don and Peggy Gates of Crawfordsville and Ann and Jerry Essex of Lebanon; aunts and uncles, Brad and Tonia Fortner of Lebanon, Cherity and Kirk Gregg of Thorntown, Sheri and Tom Lister of Lebanon, Sara and Doug Spray of Pittsboro, Brent Essex and Matt Seslar of Indianapolis, Jerri and Joe Glasson of Lebanon, and Cheryl and Todd York of New Castle; niece, Lillian Fortner; nephew, Hudson Fortner; several cousins, extended family, and many friends: and her beloved fur babies, Amidala "Dolly", Dobby, Figaro, and Remus. Whitney was a compassionate and giving person, and her generosity continued even after her passing. As an organ donor, Whitney gave the gift of life to others, reflecting her lifelong spirit of kindness and selflessness. Funeral Services are planned for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street in Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services. Cremation will follow services. Memorials may be directed in Whitney’s memory to Chicken Nugget and Gang, 117 West Elm Street, Lebanon, Indiana 46052.

Whitney Marie Fortner

January 1, 1993 - September 10, 2024