Phyllis Elizabeth (Altaffer) Fortenberry

Phyllis E. Fortenberry

07/06/1935 - 10/05/2023

Phyllis E. Fortenberry was born on July 6, 1935 and entered her eternal rest on October 5, 2023. Phyllis was born in Mansfield, Ohio to Martha Rachel (Orock) Altaffer and Harold Altaffer, she was their only child. After graduating from Madison High School in 1953 she enlisted in the U.S. Navy when females were referred to as "WAVES". While serving in San Diego, California she met and married Allen Burt Fortenberry. They were to have three children: Marian L. McLean, Kenneth Carlson, and Robert Allen Fortenberry.

Phyllis was a loving and creative mother who raised her family in Wyoming, Colorado, Washington, and Hawaii. Unfortunately, this marriage ended in a divorce. In 1969, Phyllis returned to her hometown to seek employment and to care for her frail mother. While in Ohio, she earned a full retirement from Mansfield's Med Central. In her retirement years, Phyllis lived independently in Hereford, Arizona. She was an enthusiastic volunteer at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

There will be no services per Phyllis's wishes, but her cremated remains will be transferred back to Mansfield, Ohio for burial in her family plot. Her family will meet at a later date for a memorial meal.

The family would like to thank VA Home Based Primary Care, Healing Hearts Assisted Living and Valor Hospice for the love, comfort and care given to Phyllis during her descent into the final days of dementia.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis Elizabeth (Altaffer) Fortenberry, please visit our floral store.