In the early morning hours of September 5, 2021 at St. James Healthcare in Butte, Montana, Fay Fortunati, age 87, passed away peacefully, with her youngest daughter DeeAnn at her side. She spent her last days surrounded in love by her 3 daughters and other family members
Fay was born October 26, 1933 in Twin Bridges, Montana to Edward Kingery and Elizabeth Anna (Talbott) Kingery. She joined a large sibling Klan of crazy, stubborn and loving Kingery’s. Due to her father’s work, they lived in many places including Miles City, Twin Bridges, Adobetown, and in later years Fay attended and graduated from high school in Virginia City. Sadly, at this time, all of her siblings have passed on with the exception of – in her words- “My Big Brother and Best Protector Always” Elwin “Speed” Kingery, of Philipsburg, MT.
At 20 years of age, Fay married Richard Tunstill and they were blessed with 3 daughters. They later divorced. Fay then joined Peter “Lindy” Fortunati in a shared journey that continued for 48 years until she was widowed in 2018
Fay was a dedicated worker. She worked in the Butte area for Hi-Lo Marina, Jerry’s Mobile Homes, Basin Creek Mobile Homes, BPR Convalescent Center and Hart’s RV. She retired once in 1995, only to return to work at K-Mart in 1996. She loved that job and all of the people she
met there. She worked full time through 2014 then decided to slow down and worked part-time from April 2015 until the store closed in May of 2018. An amazing woman
Fay’s greatest love was being surrounded by her many grandchildren and great-grand children. Earlier years were spent boating, camping and fishing where many wonderful memories were made. She was a wonderful seamstress. Growing up, her girls were always blessed with beautiful Easter dresses, school clothes, prom dresses and Barbie Doll wardrobes. Grandkids counted on Gram to make Halloween Costumes, PJ.’s and she was always available for alterations, patching holes in knees and replacing lost buttons and babysitting for one and all. She was at her very happiest waiting hand and foot on everyone
Fay was preceded in death by her husband, Peter“Lindy”Fortunati 2018, Sisters Ethel Bradley, Marjorie James, Betty Bubany, Gloria Mantha. Brothers Bert, Leo and Billy Kingery, Stepson Dennis Fortunati, 2002. Son-in-Law’s Gary Lanphear and Butch LaTray in 2020. Daniel Gary Murphy 1988 and Great-Grand Daughter Khyas Taylor Kruger in 2006
Survivors include daughters, Debbie (Jim) Beauchamp of Butte, MT, Judy Lanphear of Belle Fourche, SD, DeeAnn (Bob) Carter of Post Falls, ID, Stepdaughter, Vicki (John) Nanini, Philipsburg, MT, Stepdaughter-in-Law Lorraine Fortunati, Boise, ID and Stepson Bergamin-Terry-(Secky) Fortunati, Missoula, MT and a large number of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A special thanks to grandson, Neil Murphy, for the unselfish loving care he provided for Gram in the past months. Neil, you gave her reason to smile every single day and certainly broadened her horizons with your fantastic cooking!
Special thanks to all of the AMAZING STAFF on 5th floor to Georgi Coon, APRN, FNP and Wendy Grace, MD, MA, Mom received outstanding care from each and every one of you.
We thank-you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, love and dedication.
A Family/Friends gathering will be planned for a later date in Philipsburg, Montana
Memorials may be made to Butte Food Bank or St. James Healthcare Foundation
She will be buried at the Philipsburg cemetery at a later date.
A graveside service privately organized by the family will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the Philipsburg Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Senior Citizen Center in Philipsburg.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Fay.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Fay and her family.
Bonnie and Bob Chatriand says
So sorry for your loss. Clara Faye always had such a beautiful smile. Debbie know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Betty neitz says
iWork with your mom at park royal also at k mart she amazed me on how long she worked my husband knew her from p burg and she recognized the name when we both work at park royal she was so good to everyone
Verta and Larry Dorseth says
Clara Fay will be missed by those of us who loved her. What a welcome she received in heaven from her sisters and Lindy! Keep you all in my heart!
Jane and Clip Holverson says
So sorry for your loss. I had lunch with her and Gloria a little over 2 years ago. What a character Faye was! I know she had a great welcoming on the other side by her siblings, mother and others. Hugs to you and your family
Chile' (Tim Kearney) says
I’m deeply saddened to read the obit of this special individual that truly had my admiration and total respect.
She was someone I always looked forward to talking to.
The thing I most remember about Fay is her unselfishness towards everything in her realm.
I always knew, when I had the privilege to work with Fay, that I had no doubt that what was on her mind was going to get completed to her satisfaction before she would call it a day! She was just a special, untiring first class lady that I loved to work with (doing this or that to Deeann’s house)…
May she rest in peace.
Patti says
My Auntie Fay was one of the most wonderful, caring , giving person i know. hard to believe she is gone. She was always laughing about something, sometimes herself even. I loved visiting with her, no matter when you got there, food soon followed a snack meant the table was full and you had to eat or she would think you were sick. I treasure all the wonderful times i have had over the years. The one thing you can count on with all the Kingrey Clan was unconditional love for everyone. Bet the boys and girls are having a great time together again. Love you Debbie, Judy and DeeAnn I Know how hard it is to lose your Momma… you did everything the right way you are all awesome, loving and kind. Love you so much