Jimmie A. Fortner (nee Brooks), age 79 of Punta Gorda FL, formerly of Griffith IN, passed away on Saturday March 8, 2014.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Richard; children: Nancy (Mike) Stout of Griffith, Judy Young of Griffith, Richard Jr. "Butch" (Gail) Fortner of Griffith, and Michael (Marcy) Fortner of Dyer; 14 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brothers: Nick (Paulette) Hudak, Jeff Brooks; sister-in-law: Donna Brooks-Sirbeck and by numerous nieces and nephews that she dearly loved.

Jimmie was preceded in death by her parents Ben Brooks and Allie Hudak; brother: JC Brooks; sister: Betty Galambos; and granddaughter: Amanda.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday March13, 2014 at 10:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church located at 521 N. Broad St, in Griffith with Fr. Theodore Mens celebrating. Burial will follow at Chapel lawn Memorial Gardens, in Schererville.

Friends may meet with the family on Wednesday March 12th from 3:00pm until 8:00pm at White Funeral Home located at 921 W. 45th Ave. in Griffith.

Jimmie was employed at JoAnn Fabrics, in Port Charlotte, FL. and started Strack and VanTil Catering. She was a former member of St Mary's Catholic Church where she was the head caterer for over 30 years. Jimmie was a former board member and book keeper with St. Mary Credit Union. She was an avid quilter with her husband, loved ceramics, and traveling. Jimmie graduated from Clark High School Class of "52" where she was named "Best dressed", and she really looked forward to meeting her classmates every year.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be divided between Jimmies favorite charities.

For information, please call White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100 or visit us at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com