Obituary for Irene Walters

Irene Fortman Walters, 90, daughter of the late George and Martha Sanders Fortman, departed this life on March 13, 2019, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was born on January 9, 1929, in Aurora, Illinois.

Irene was married to the late Elmer Spencer Walters, Sr. on April 5, 1944. This union was blessed with five children: Sandra (Terry) Atwater of Wadsworth IL; Elmer (Janet) Walters, Jr. of Aschaffenburg, Germany; Monica Butler of Fishers IN; Errol Stacey (Carolyn) Walters of Evansville IN; and Jennifer (Richard) Gold of Evansville IN. Irene’s husband, Elmer Walters, Sr., preceded her in death on February 1, 2007.

In addition to her children, Irene leaves to cherish her memory a host of grand, great, and great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Lethal Fortman, Samantha Atkins, James Fortman, George Fortman, Nile Fortman, Lafayette Fortman, Martha Tyler, Eldridge Fortman, and Gayle Smith.

Irene was a dedicated homemaker who thoroughly enjoyed cooking for and spoiling her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. She loved the company of others, watching cooking shows, hosting and feeding people in her home and receiving hugs and kisses from those she loved. She amused her family and friends with her QVC obsession since they were often the recipient of all her duplicate orders. Irene was lovingly called Ms. Irene, Grandmother, Great Ga, and Mama.

As a result of her generous spirit, gregarious personality, passion for cooking and love for others, she was loved deeply by her family and many friends. Her family fondly remember her many funny sayings and stories, among them, “love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck” and “parking on a dime, waiting for a penny change.” Her influence and humor will forever remain in their lives.

Irene loved God, loved to pray and was a member of the Washington Avenue Church of Christ in Evansville IN prior to moving to Indianapolis IN where she worshipped at the Kingsley Terrance Church of Christ before becoming housebound.

Visitation hours are scheduled for Friday, March 22, 2019, from 9-11am at the Washington Avenue Church of Christ at 4001 Washington Avenue, Evansville IN 47714. The funeral service will follow at 11 am at the same location. Entombment at Park Lawn Mausoleum in Evansville. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Irene’s life. Condolences may be left at www.masonbrothersfuneralservices.com