Fortner, Melanie's Obituary
Melanie Fortner, 64, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in Germantown, Tennessee.
Melanie graduated from Wooddale High School and attended Memphis State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in mathematics and graduating as a member of the Tau Beta Pi engineering honors society. She later went on to become a water utilities engineer, faithfully serving the Memphis metropolitan area for 15 years. During her career, she became one of the first female engineers to be licensed as a master plumber in Memphis, combining engineering expertise with deep practical knowledge of water systems – a testament to her commitment to understanding water utilities infrastructure from the ground up. Later in life, she managed rental properties, approaching the work with the same care and responsibility she brought to her professional life. Beyond her professional life, she enjoyed needlework, genealogy, horsemanship, and ballroom dancing; pursuits she approached with intention and care.
Melanie will be remembered as remarkably smart and hardworking, with a strong will that shaped much of her life. Once she set her mind to something, she pursued it with determination, and those who knew her well recognized both her intelligence and her unwavering resolve. As a mother, she brought that same determination, care, and sense of responsibility to her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Elmore and Mrs. Elaine Fortner.
Survivors include her son, Benjamin Runyon; daughter, Reagan Runyon; brothers, Brad Fortner (Teresa) and Russ Fortner (Kayo); and nieces, Sierra and Isabelle Fortner.
The family will receive friends on Monday, December 15th, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery. Funeral Services will immediately follow. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.
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