Patricia "Patty" Sue Fortney, age 70, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at her home in Hartford, South Dakota. A service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Central Valley Community Church in Hartford. Family will be present one hour prior. There will an open house gathering at the church the evening before from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Special Obituary from Ercell Fortney, Patty's husband:

Patty Fortney of Hartford, SD aged 70 died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from complications due to AL Amyloidosis and the resulting kidney failure.

She was born Patricia Sue Saltmarsh on November 22, 1953 in Shelby County, Iowa to Robert Wayne Saltmarsh (1930-2023) and Karen Darlene (Olsen) Saltmarsh (1928-1914). She grew up on farms near Marne and Elk Horn, Iowa and those that knew her knew she always worked very hard doing chores and milking cows. That's how she became an outdoor girl! She went through school at Elk Horn and in high school was very active in basketball, acting and singing. She played the lead in the HS production of the 'King & and I'. She went to college in Maryville, MO where she received a vocal music degree.  After winning the Miss Audubon/Shelby beauty contest, she competed in the Miss Iowa contest. I felt she was the winner but the judges disagreed.

She married me, Ercell Fortney,  on December 18, 1976. Every weekend it seemed we were traveling to a wedding so she could sing either for friends or cousins or sisters. It seemed we were all getting married around the same time.  After college she performed in numerous community plays and always ended up being the lead/star of the show. She taught K-12 music for two years before family obligations (children) interfered. Her main activities after starting a family were growing her own organic food, cooking it, playing tennis and studying the Word. She had always been athletic and her tennis game was exceptional.

Patty was very good at making friends which is easy to see. I have always marveled at how she made such good friends. Her best friends though were her sisters and they were close. She lost an older sister Cindy in 2011. Her sisters (my sisters for a long time now) Diane French, Debra Christensen (Jim), Teresa Cagwin (Mark), Karen Marschel (Ron) spent a lot of time together and shared everything. She also loved and was very close to her younger brother Robbie Saltmarsh (Teri). This family loves the Lord and knows that Patty is much happier now. She is young and strong again and is making room while waiting for us to get there.

We have 4 children John, Rachel, Luke and Jared who, like me, are struggling with the loss of the greatest mom and wife. Patty loved her grandchildren more than I can express properly here: Tayte, Avery, Ella, Ben & Violet and Jude. They are all great kids and will miss their grandma very much.

Special Remarks from Ercell and Family:

I personally feel so lost and sad that she has gone on ahead. I know that she is in a better place but it is still so darn hard being without her. Knowing I will meet up with her again in heaven is my only saving grace!  Not ever hearing her sing will leave an emptiness in me that I will feel forever.  Her singing always made me tear up. I just couldn't believe that I could be married to someone that could sing like that.  I just never got used to it.  I hope I can stop crying long enough to thank you all for being there for her and me. I know she loved you all! - Ercell

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I always looked up to Patty as a proud little sister watching her in the plays and pageants. She taught me to play tennis, played piano for my clarinet recitals in high school, was my go-to expert for gardening questions, and was my shoulder to cry on many times over the years. We ALWAYS had a great time talking and laughing when we were together. She was always there for family and I will miss her more than words can express. - Karen

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I never let Patty forget all the times I waited for her to ride with me to school and her daydreaming in the barn when we were milking the cows. She was either reading or singing—both her passions. We had a lot of fun times together doing the simplest things—freezing sweet corn, shopping, eating out, and just talking and laughing and reminiscing. On our annual Okoboji trip this summer, she had us order every dessert on the menu. It was awesome!  She was my spiritual mentor and I can't even imagine how much l will miss her. - Debra

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We had so much fun together over the years. Getting together when our kids were young and at family gatherings. We did many sister trips to Omaha, Okoboji, Sandpoint and Boise. But our trip to Chicago was the best. She was such a good sister and friend and will be sorely missed.
- Diane

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Growing up with six sisters on an Iowa farm was a great blessing for me. I could write a book, with a chapter dedicated to each.  I have vivid memories of Patty going on hikes along Indian creek, watching her milk cows while she sang to the radio, occasionally picking a fight with an unruly cow, riding horses through the big timber and so many more. Patty was always a center post for everyone, always giving of herself to others in need. I've always been inspired by her true Christian virtues and generosity, and I will miss her dearly. - Robbie

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Patty and I were always together growing up on the farm. We worked hard and played hard! We used to sing along with the radio while milking cows (for their enjoyment of course). Once I got kicked by a cow and she kicked it back for me! We used to ride bikes to Elk Horn and back to go to the swimming pool. We got pretty daring going down those big hills…'Look Mom—no hands—and feet up on the handlebars!!' I have so many fun and loving memories of my big sister and best childhood friend. I will love and miss her forever. ♥️ - Teresa

We will all get to see her again someday. The bible makes that very clear.
Thank you all for either coming or reading about the best wife I could ever have asked for or dreamed of.

-Ercell Fortney-