Karen Fortner

Karen A. Fortner, age 76, of Sun City, Arizona passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2021. She was born Karen Aureen Barcus in Seattle, WA, where she lived the majority of her life. Married for 54 years, she joins the love of her life Jimmie C. Fortner, who lost his life earlier this year. Shortly before she passed she said “I look forward to that reunion”. Karen went to college at Western Washington University. She was good with numbers and her attention to detail made her a great bookkeeper and football statistician. She was a loving, supportive, devoted, and selfless mom and wife and was proud to say “I don’t think I ever let you kids down”. She sure didn’t. Our house was always the place to gather for fun and good food. Whether it was spaghetti feeds, taco nights, holiday feasts, sporting events, pool parties, or post-football Friday night 5 layer dip, she was always at the center of it. She spent countless hours in uncomfortable bleacher seats or standing on often cold wet sidelines watching football, basketball, baseball, soccer, track & field & cross country meets, and never complained once. She and Jimmie made the most of their retirement years by RVing across the country, moved to Arizona and lived it up with an amazing group of friends. They knew how to have fun and support each other. We always joked that they were like a fraternity without class or school work. She was a proud member of the United Church of Sun City mission board and enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and her dogs. Karen had many hobbies including bowling, golfing, line dancing, puzzles, studying genealogy, sewing, and playing games on her iPad. She was an avid Seattle Seahawks fan and game day wasn’t complete without a good beer. Karen is survived and missed by her 2 children (Paul and Angie), their spouses (Laura and Andy), 2 granddaughters (Sydney and Brynn), and countless friends. Her life will be celebrated during the 10:00 service at United Church of Sun City on December 5, 2021 with a reception to follow at the Sun City Country Club.