Carol Lucille Fortner

Carol Lucille (Smith) Fortner passed away at 6:45 a.m. Sunday January 29, 2023. She was born September 15, 1927 at home in Jennings County, Indiana, the daughter of Cecil Almon Smith and Crystal Lucille (Pierce) Smith who preceded her in death. Carol graduated from Vernon High School in Vernon, Indiana. She was employed with ITT Thompson Industries in 1958 where she began as a tool crib attendant. She had been promoted through the ranks to quality control inspector when ITT Thompson closed and her employment ended. During her employment with ITT Thompson, Carol was a trailblazer when she served as President of UAW Local 1491, being one of the very first women in the nation to hold that position. She also served as UAW Recording Secretary of the Community Action Program for Bartholomew, Jackson, Jefferson and Jennings Counties. During her term as UAW President, Carol helped set the standard for fair labors laws and equity with the United States. Carol enrolled in Indiana University’s summer program studying labor unions which resulted in her receiving a scholarship for three weeks abroad to study the labor forces in England, East & West Germany and Sweden. Carol and her husband Harold loved to travel and while they made many trips to visit their children, grandchildren and siblings in surrounding states, one of the trips Carol most remembers is their last trip to Black Lake, Michigan. Carol is a member of New Bethel Methodist Church in Jennings County, Indiana, where her ancestors were instrumental in its founding. Carol loved her family above all else and was an example of the perfect wife, mother, daughter, sister and grandmother. Her other interests included music, politics, current events, church activities, crafts, card games, and ice cream. Carol always had time to listen, to give of herself, and to share her love of God. She loved sharing her experiences from 95 years of living with everyone. She leaves the world a better place from being here and creates a void that cannot be filled. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2023 at New Bethel Methodist Church, 3020 East County Road 850 N, North Vernon, IN 47265 with Rev. Connie K. Barr officiating. Calling will be from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, 3855 25th St., Columbus, IN 47203 and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Burial will be held at Bear Creek Cemetery. Carol is survived by her children, Alice Elaine (Fortner) Bass of Indianapolis, Stephen Arthur Fortner and his wife Rita Fortner of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Judith Ellen (Fortner) Villegas of Indianapolis, Rose Sharon (Fortner) Thompson of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Sheila Kay Fortner of Greenwood, Indiana and a stepdaughter, Diana (Fortner) McRae of Hudson, Florida. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold Erwin Fortner; a son, Preston Zane Fortner; a step-son, Michael Fortner; great-grandsons, Broderick Bass and Kegan Beckemeyer and sisters, Claire Mae Settle, Cletha Faye Bird and Charlotte Anne Smith. Memorial contributions may be made to New Bethel Methodist Church or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 You are invited to view her video tribute and send a message of condolence to the Fortner family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com