Jill E. Fortenbacher's Obituary
Jill E. Fortenbacher, age 86, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on September 11,2024 surrounded by her family. Jill McComb was born September 22, 1937 in Muskegon, Mi. to Harry and Sue McComb and was a lifelong resident of the area. Jill married John S. Nelson and he preceded her in death in 1965. She later married Edward “Jack” Fortenbacher on August 26, 1967 and he preceded her in death in 2017 after 50 years of marriage. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley University. Jill was a long time member of New Life Community Church and The Adventure Church of Norton Shores.
Jill taught special education and Computers/Technology at Fruitport Middle School for 27 years, retiring in 1999. After retirement, she worked as a substitute teacher for many years. Jill lived life on the edge at times including a sky diving jump for her 86th birthday. For the record, her boys thought she was nuts. Her dedication and love of teaching extended beyond the classroom. Jill was active and loved to dance and exercise. She taught people to dance at weekly Boot Scooter dances and in her home dance hall. She was an original founder of the West Michigan Boot Scooters, where she remained an active member and leader. Jill helped initiate the annual Boot Scooter appearance at the Mackinaw Island Lilac Festival.
Jill will be dearly missed by her sons Craig (Kathy) Fortenbacher, Bradley (Patsy) Fortenbacher and Jeffery Scott (Sheri) Fortenbacher, Dan (Suzanne) Fortenbacher, Jeffrey Alan (Corinne) Fortenbacher, sister Jane Porter, niece Amy Dupont, and nephews Justin Porter, Ken McComb and Scott McComb and, 20 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Jill was preceded in death by her parents; brother William McComb, niece Julie (McComb) Bersonnet, first husband John S. Nelson and second husband Edward “Jack” Fortenbacher.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday September 19, 2024 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444, with Pastor Todd Bush officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A celebration will be held at the Mona Lake Boating Club following the service with a meal, fellowship and of course some dancing boot scooters. Feel free to dig out your western gear. Interment will take place at Norton Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Jill can be made to The Adventure Church or the West Michigan Boot Scooters. Please sign the online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com
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