Carmen Fortner

Carmen Marie Fortner went home to be with the Lord on July 16, 2015, with her family and friends by her side. Carmen grew up in a tight knit neighborhood in Mountain Home, made up with lots of cousins and friends.

Carmen loved to ride her bike with life-long best friend, Lavina "Lovie" Samson. They enjoyed many long conversations over a Coke. A family highlight was waiting for Santa and his elf to make their appearance at their annual Christmas party with "the Jess's." She and Gary Alzola spent hours together driving to Boise for their accordion lessons.

As a teen, Carmen developed a love for horses, which she was able to share with her dad. They traveled many miles to rodeos where Carmen competed in a variety of events from barrel racing to goat tying. Highlights include riding in the Snake River Stampede, winning rodeos and placing First Runner Up in the Miss Rodeo Idaho.

On the rodeo circuit, she met and fell in love with Richard McCall, and were married in September 1968. They made their home in Boise, and a year later they were blessed with their first son, Kevin.

Work led them southern California. While there, they were blessed with two more children, Shane and Melinda. They returned to Mountain Home to raise their kids near family. Richard passed away in 1979.

She found her strength in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was in prayer groups with her sisters in faith, too numerous to mention.

In 1983, she needed a carpenter and called a high school classmate, Bill Fortner. Their friendship turned to love, and they married in 1985. Together, they raised their kids in Mountain Home.

In 2003, an employment opportunity led them to the Azores Islands off the coast of Portugal. The two years there were some of her happiest. Their travels led them to England, Scotland and Rome. While in Rome they were present when the new Pope made his first audience.

In searching for family history in the Basque country, she was welcomed with open arms by distant relatives. She was thrilled to know that she was sharing a meal in the home that her grandfather was born in and seeing a picture of her grandmother's house in Mountain Home.

Returning to Mountain Home allowed Carmen and Bill to be near to their children and grandchildren. She loved watching the grandkids follow their dreams and was their biggest cheerleader.

All that knew Carmen know her family meant everything to her. We take comfort in knowing we will see her again, but until then she will be greatly missed.

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Eula Morgan; one sister, Bonnie Howell; Richard McCall and grandson Isaac Keller. She is survived by her husband, William Fortner; two sons, Kevin McCall (Kristi) and Shane McCall (Karla); daughter Melinda Keller (Steve); and grandchildren Tyler, Austin, Isabella, Morgan, Layne, Ellianna, Jordan and Harley.

A viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, located at 500 North 18th East St., in Mountain Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Mountain Home.