Florence Ann Fortney
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Obituary
Florence Ann Fortney
A Legacy of Love, Strength, and Sacrifice
Florence Ann Fortney passed peacefully on June 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy stitched together with love, sacrifice, laughter, and resilience. She was more than a mother and grandmother—she was the heart of our family, the thread that held us together, and the example of what it means to love unconditionally.
Born into a family of strong roots, Florence grew up alongside her brothers Jack, Johnny, and Jimmy Joe—whose passing in Vietnam left a mark on her soul. It shaped the woman she would become: one who never turned away from pain, but instead used it to deepen her empathy and strengthen her resolve.
Florence’s life was filled with many roles—daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, wife—but her favorite role was “Mom.” She had six children: Dondra (husband, Robert), Danny (wife, Karen), Diana (husband, Gordon), David (wife, Cathy), Tonya (husband, Patrick), and Jackie (husband, Donny). Six children (and often more) under one roof, each of them loved fiercely and raised with her unique blend of grit and grace.
She didn’t have much, but what she had, she gave—without hesitation. Florence worked tirelessly—sometimes multiple jobs—to provide. She sewed clothes, cooked meals, and made holidays feel magical, even when money was tight. She had high expectations, not because she was demanding, but because she believed in her children’s potential more than anyone else.
Florence’s love didn’t stop with her children. Her legacy continues through her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each one carrying a piece of her spark:
- Dondra’s children: Harley (married to Bri and father to Harley James, Darren, Harold, and Corbin) and Matthew (with wife Stephanie, parents to Jasmine, Jason, Samuel, and Jeremiah)
- Diana’s children: Christian (married to Brandon and mother to Ryker, Rylee, Rynae, and Richard), Aaron
- David’s children: Allison and Jeffery, with wife Cathy
- Tonya’s children: Ambur (married to Anthony, mother of Avery and Amelia), Dakota (father to Hayvin), Cassidy, and Tony (married to Alex, father of Dexter)
- Jackie’s children: Dylan, Madison, and Peyton, with husband Donny
Florence adored each one. Holidays meant early morning visits to see every child open gifts. Her joy was their joy. Her home overflowed with toys, laughter, and the warmth only she could create. She had a deep love for garage sales and thrift shopping. She could spend hours exploring secondhand stores, digging through hidden treasures, or driving through neighborhoods in search of the perfect find. Her joy came not just from discovering bargains, but from finding something special for someone she loved. She delighted in showing up with a surprise toy for a grandchild, a quirky decoration, or something useful she knew someone needed. It wasn’t about the item—it was about the smile it brought.
She had her quirks—like tapping her fingernail when she was about to say something serious, or leaving you behind if you didn’t stay by her side at the store (and she meant it!). But beneath her tough love was a heart that never stopped giving.
Florence loved her dogs. Her final companion, Buddy, was never far from her side and will rest with her now, just as he always did.
She never spoiled herself, never asked for much. Her joy came from giving—whether it was comfort, support, or a perfectly picked-out gift she thought you might need “just in case.” She was our steady hand, our truth-teller, our safe place. And she worried we’d drift apart without her.
But we won’t.
Because Florence didn’t just raise children—she raised a family. She raised generations who understand love, strength, and sacrifice because they lived it through her.
Florence Ann Fortney gave her all. And now she rests, reunited with her parents, her baby brother, her beloveds who went before—watching over us, proud.
We will carry her with us, always.
Thank you, Mama. For everything.
You were—and always will be—our heart.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 6:00-7:00 PM at Luginbuel Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, at Prairie Grove Cemetery Pavilion in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.
A Legacy of Love, Strength, and Sacrifice
Florence Ann Fortney passed peacefully on June 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy stitched together with love, sacrifice, laughter, and resilience. She was more than a mother and grandmother—she was the heart of our family, the thread that held us together, and the example of what it means to love unconditionally.
Born into a family of strong roots, Florence grew up alongside her brothers Jack, Johnny, and Jimmy Joe—whose passing in Vietnam left a mark on her soul. It shaped the woman she would become: one who never turned away from pain, but instead used it to deepen her empathy and strengthen her resolve.
Florence’s life was filled with many roles—daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, wife—but her favorite role was “Mom.” She had six children: Dondra (husband, Robert), Danny (wife, Karen), Diana (husband, Gordon), David (wife, Cathy), Tonya (husband, Patrick), and Jackie (husband, Donny). Six children (and often more) under one roof, each of them loved fiercely and raised with her unique blend of grit and grace.
She didn’t have much, but what she had, she gave—without hesitation. Florence worked tirelessly—sometimes multiple jobs—to provide. She sewed clothes, cooked meals, and made holidays feel magical, even when money was tight. She had high expectations, not because she was demanding, but because she believed in her children’s potential more than anyone else.
Florence’s love didn’t stop with her children. Her legacy continues through her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each one carrying a piece of her spark:
- Dondra’s children: Harley (married to Bri and father to Harley James, Darren, Harold, and Corbin) and Matthew (with wife Stephanie, parents to Jasmine, Jason, Samuel, and Jeremiah)
- Diana’s children: Christian (married to Brandon and mother to Ryker, Rylee, Rynae, and Richard), Aaron
- David’s children: Allison and Jeffery, with wife Cathy
- Tonya’s children: Ambur (married to Anthony, mother of Avery and Amelia), Dakota (father to Hayvin), Cassidy, and Tony (married to Alex, father of Dexter)
- Jackie’s children: Dylan, Madison, and Peyton, with husband Donny
Florence adored each one. Holidays meant early morning visits to see every child open gifts. Her joy was their joy. Her home overflowed with toys, laughter, and the warmth only she could create. She had a deep love for garage sales and thrift shopping. She could spend hours exploring secondhand stores, digging through hidden treasures, or driving through neighborhoods in search of the perfect find. Her joy came not just from discovering bargains, but from finding something special for someone she loved. She delighted in showing up with a surprise toy for a grandchild, a quirky decoration, or something useful she knew someone needed. It wasn’t about the item—it was about the smile it brought.
She had her quirks—like tapping her fingernail when she was about to say something serious, or leaving you behind if you didn’t stay by her side at the store (and she meant it!). But beneath her tough love was a heart that never stopped giving.
Florence loved her dogs. Her final companion, Buddy, was never far from her side and will rest with her now, just as he always did.
She never spoiled herself, never asked for much. Her joy came from giving—whether it was comfort, support, or a perfectly picked-out gift she thought you might need “just in case.” She was our steady hand, our truth-teller, our safe place. And she worried we’d drift apart without her.
But we won’t.
Because Florence didn’t just raise children—she raised a family. She raised generations who understand love, strength, and sacrifice because they lived it through her.
Florence Ann Fortney gave her all. And now she rests, reunited with her parents, her baby brother, her beloveds who went before—watching over us, proud.
We will carry her with us, always.
Thank you, Mama. For everything.
You were—and always will be—our heart.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 6:00-7:00 PM at Luginbuel Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, at Prairie Grove Cemetery Pavilion in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.
Funeral Service
2:00 pm
Prairie Grove Cemetery Pavilion.
Visitation
6:00 pm
Luginbuel Funeral Home.
Final Resting Place
General
Apr 26, 1943
Jun 8, 2025
82
Documents
Tributes
Nana was a incredible person always playing with us grandkids and half the time in the middle of the fun she was a kid at heart and she will be dearly missed
Allison Bond - Granddaughter
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. So many fond memories and a smile that eased your mind……sending love to all of you!
Eric Phillips - Friend
Dondra and all of the family - I have told the story so many times about spending the night with you when we were kids. Your sweet Momma made it such a special night with the treat of cheesecakes for dessert. I have never forgotten the memory that she tucked in and kissed every single child in the home goodnight.
I remember her smiling, and being so pretty and kind.
My sympathies to you, and all of you,
Leslie McClain
Leslie McClain Reed - Childhood friend
I remember Florence’s kindness to me and her sweet smile. She was a good mother to her children and a dear friend. I will treasure the memories I have of her. May God comfort her children and family at this time.
Shirlene Logsdon - Friend
Remembering all the fun times we had up on the mountain. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Mart S Phillips - Uncle Mart
We were neighbors, and rode the bus with her. I was younger, so I looked up to her like a princess. She was so beautiful with that blonde hair, great warm smile, and sweet personality. She was so kind to us little kids. After I grew up, she became my friend. I loved sitting with her at assisted living, i prayed with her, and listened many stories of kids and gkids, and She was so proud of each one of you. God bless you all, and we will see her in
heaven.
Barbara Jetton - Friend
Funeral Service
2:00 pm
Prairie Grove Cemetery Pavilion.
Visitation
6:00 pm
Luginbuel Funeral Home.
Final Resting Place
General
Apr 26, 1943
Jun 8, 2025
82
Documents