Evelyn L. Fortna, 95, a lifelong resident of Chambersburg PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5th 2025.
Born November 4, 1929 in Chambersburg, she was the second of eleven children born to the late Eber J. Rife Sr. and Catherine (Cosey) Rife.
Evelyn and her husband were self-employed dairy farmers retiring in 1994. She also worked a number of years for the Chambersburg Area School District at the former CAMS and Hamilton Heights Elementary in the school cafeteria.
Evelyn was a member of Crider’s United Brethren Church, Chambersburg. She also was a member of Farm Women’s Group #9.
Her husband, Lester D. Fortna, whom she married January 27, 1950, preceded her in death on May 12, 2019.
She is survived by her daughter Karen Chilcote (wife of Jeffrey) of Chambersburg PA; one grandson, Shawn Chilcote (husband of Shelly) of Orrstown; one great grandson Easton Chilcote; and one great granddaughter Faith Chilcote, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by five siblings, Helen Reed, Joyce Myers, Gary Rife, Marvin Rife and Marlin Rife.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Kenneth Rife, Gerald Rife, Eber Rife Jr., and Jay Rife and a sister Gladys Meyers.
The family wishes to thank Chambersburg Skilled Nursing Station 2 staff and Heartland Hospice for all of their care and kindness shown to Evelyn and the thoughtful and compassionate support given to her family as well.
Visitation will be from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. at the funeral home on July 9, 2025 and a private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home, Chambersburg, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Evelyn L. Fortna, please visit the floral store.
