Fern Fort

Fern L. Fort, age 84 of Paola, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 16, 2010 in the care and comfort of her six children. She was born in Paola, KS on April 1, 1925 to John William and Laura Elizabeth Henness Homrighausen. Fern was raised in rural Paola where she attended Davenport School and graduated in 1942 from Paola High School. After graduating, she worked for the ASCS office in Paola, then Panhandle Eastern in Kansas City. Years later, she became a real estate agent for Carter Realty in Paola and later purchased Ponchos restaurant in Paola which she owned and operated for 16 years before retiring. On March 3, 1947 she was united in marriage to Harvey L. Fort. They made their home on a farm in rural Paola. Along with being a devoted wife, mother, and daughter, she and Harvey became the parents of six children. Her most cherished moments were sharing time with her family. Fern enjoyed growing flowers, playing cards, games, crocheting afghans, playing the piano, listening to country music, watching basketball, sewing, but most of all her family. Fern has left many memories for her family to cherish, including baking a birthday cake for every family member on their birthday, hiding Easter baskets for all of her grandchildren on Easter day; and she was especially fond of Christmas and bringing her entire family together for big meals and everyone spending family time together. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant son, and her granddaughter, Donna Manchester. Left to cherish, in loving memory, are her children; Barb Brandt (Darrell), Carol Fields, Roger Fort, Mary Tarhini (Mo), all of Paola; Nancy Beckman (Neal) of Olathe, KS, and Dennis Fort (Peggy) of Osage City, KS; 11 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. The pallbearers are Fern"s grandchildren; Greg Brandt, James Fanning, Arthur Fort, Mike Lierz, Zach Tarhini, Trey Fort, Duncan Fort, Gunnar Fort, and Rodney Fields. Honorary Pallbearers are Jennifer Lierz, Shannon Fanning, Paige Fort, Aundrea Tarhini, Briona Fields, Dylan Fanning, and Kolby Fanning. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Foster Grandparent Program.