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In memory of

Irene Fortune

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at the Philip Nursing Home in Philip at the age of 94

Irene Clements was born April 20, 1918, in Haakon County, South Dakota, the daughter of Ernest and Elfreida (Meyers) Clements. She grew up and attended rural schools in the area. During her high school years, she lived with Mrs. Senechal in Philip. She learned many things from her, including cooking and cleaning.
Irene was united in marriage to Howard “Bill” Fortune on September 23, 1940, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip. They ranched in the Quinn area all their married life. They moved into Philip from 1970 to 1979, where they resided while some of their daughters were attending Philip High School.
After 1979, they returned to their ranch near Quinn, where they continued to reside. Her husband preceded her in death on September 4, 2000. She later moved into Philip, where she has since resided.
First and foremost, Irene was a prayer warrior. She told Kay that she didn’t know where she got her faith except for seeing how important going to Mass was for her dad as he shoveled snow so they could get there.
Irene was a true German, everything was clean, neat and tidy, windows clean, everything ironed, and the garden and yard had not a weed.
She loved feeding friends and family, and playing cards. She could whip up a meal in 30 minutes. She baked cakes, cookies, and pies. She was always expecting company.
Survivors include five daughters Kay Williams of Philip, Judy Harrington and her husband Dan of Ridgefield, Washington, Billie Hett and her husband Donn of Buffalo, Pam Dale and her husband C.K. of Philip, and MaryLou Guptill and her husband Pat of Quinn; 25 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister Helen Louison of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband Howard “Bill” Fortune on September 4, 2000; a daughter Janet Waara; a son Scott Fortune; her parents; four brothers Carl, Charles, John and Raymond Clements; a sister Catherine Hawley; and a son-in-law Dick Williams.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, August 10, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 11, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Kevin Achbach as celebrant. Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip. 

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Kevin Achbach

MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Pianist
Shelby Schofield - Vocalist
“I Am The Bread of Life”
“These Alone Are Enough”
“Lord You Have Come”
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

ALTAR SERVERS
Sammy Schofield - Tristen Rush

LECTOR
Rita O’Connell

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Lloyd Frein - Debbie Prouty

PALLBEARERS
Paul Williams - Mark Williams
Ross Williams - Jason Hett
Tyler Hett - Michael Rotzien
William Morrison - Heath Morrison
Tate Guptill - Troy Guptill - Paul Guptill

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday, August 10, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Vigil Service: 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 10, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 11, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, 
Interment: Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

  • This is not a news flash, but Irene was one special lady. Her work ethic, wit, and love for God and family were hallmarks. She left a legacy. I will miss seeing her and sending her cards. I so wish I could celebrate her life with you all this weekend. Know that I will be thinking of you.
    Kara     ~ Kara Gittings Moriarty Anchorage, AK (8/7/2012)
  • Deepest sympathy to all of Irene's family. I have known her all my life and enjoyed her family. You are in my prayers and thoughts at this time. Sincerely Bev ~ Beverly Jahner Kerrville, Texas (8/7/2012)
  • Dear Girls,
    What an inspiration you have been to all who have family in nursing homes, what a joy to your mother and a pleasure to me. I loved how you loved her. And I loved that dry, quick sense of humor she had and you all have, as well.
    May you all be comforted by our Most High God as you walk through this sorrowful time.     ~ Rebecca Williams Philip, SD (8/7/2012)
  • Irene was not only wonderful but sincere! She had a C problem...caring, cooking, cleaning, and cards! Having known her since I could remember that pretty much sums her up! Our sympathy but knowing she is in a better place watching over you is comforting! ~ Shelia Trask Wasta SD (8/7/2012)
  • Dear Girls,
    My sympathy to all of you. What a grand lady and with a sense of humor. I have many, many fond memories of her in years gone by and our times together. She's undoubtedly making pies for that get together. God will richly bless her.     ~ Joyce Belle Fourche (8/7/2012)
  • Irene was quite a lady, she will be missed by many. We were so glad to have her as Emmie's roommate at the nursing home, they were friends for many years. Hold onto all the wonderful memories. God Bless, Joann. Les and Emmie ~ Joann & Les Pearson Philip SD (8/7/2012)
  • Our loving thoughts and prayers will be with you. Our Blessings of comfort for all of you.
    Love, Mike & Shar     ~ Mike & Shar Moses Philip, S.D. (8/7/2012)
  • Hurting for you all but know this beautiful lady is wrapped in loving arms and smiling and happy. We could not want anything more for her. She will be missed though by so many. She brought us all joy with her giggle and teasing ways. I loved that she always said what she was thinking;) Sure know where her girls got their sense of humor. Love to you all. ~ Gary and Julie Philip, SD (8/7/2012)
  • Fortune girls & families, our deepest sympathies & thoughts are with you all now in your loss of this lovely lady. God Bless You All. ~ Floren & Debbie Falzone Philip, SD (8/7/2012)
  • I came to work today only to find that my Irene was missing. I thought the world of her and she could always make me smile. Thinking of you in your time of loss and she will never be forgotten. ~ Beth Stewart Philip (8/7/2012)
  • Irene was a wonderful lady. She'll be missed by so many. I know what a wonderful friend she's always been to my Grandma Gladys all these years. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. ~ Chancie Baenen Lead, SD (8/7/2012)
  • Our family extends sympathy to all of Irene's crew-you took good care of her, and she of you! What a terrific group of people she leaves behind in legacy! Rest easy, Irene. Blessings to all of you in the coming days and weeks. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville (8/7/2012)
  • Irene's Family--
    We know what a loss you are feeling. It has been a pleasure to not only know some of her daughters, but we also got to know this lovely lady a little better when she was Grandma Schofield's roommate. Now they are both in heaven having their own little reunion. Please know that we understand what a loss you have had and how missed she will be. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.     ~ Donnie and Bobette Schofield Milesville, SD (8/7/2012)
  • We didn't personally know Mrs Fortune, but judging from the family she raised, that we know, she must have been a wonderful lady, to have raised such beautiful children inside and out...Our prayers are with you...Steve and Paula ~ Steve and Paula Livermont Martin, SD (8/7/2012)
  • My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know the loving memories will ease your loss and bring you comfort. Irene was a great lady and such a testament to her faith. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. ~ Julie Kocer 716 Mall Drive Rapid City, SD (8/7/2012)
  • Just want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. No matter how old they are it is never easy to say goodbye! She raised a wonderful family of Fortune women! God bless you all during this time. ~ Judy Goldhammer Wall SD (8/7/2012)
  • Our loss is truly God's gain. May your tomatoes be abundant. Rest in Peace. You will be missed.
    Much love and epace -- Fr Bob +     ~ Fr Bob Piedmont, SD (8/7/2012)
  • My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I have many childhood memories of your mom. ~ Lea (Willuweit) Ymker Armour SD (8/7/2012)
  • Our love and prayers to all of Irenes family. She was a very special lady. I am so glad that Mom and I got to see Irene and Kay in Philip a few years ago. Sincerely Susan, Denny and Kit Walsh McEntee ~ Dennis Walsh Miami, FL. (8/7/2012)