Elinor Jeanne Smith Forkner

Elinor Jeanne Smith Forkner of Bigfork, Montana, died on Nov. 2, from complications following a fall.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on Aug. 30, 1920 to Eugene and Florence (Martin) Smith of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Ellie attended school there and received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1942. She subsequently taught first grade in the Euclid, Ohio public schools and contributed to the World War II effort working in a local munitions factory on vacations and weekends.

To expand her credentials, Ellie joined other Euclid teachers in pursuing advanced degrees at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City. There she received a Master's degree in education and later taught in both public and private schools in northern New Jersey.

While attending Columbia, she met fellow student, Hamden L. Forkner, Jr., and married him in Shaker Heights on June 28, 1947. While living in New York, Ellie gave birth to a loving daughter, Leslie. The family moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey in 1957, where they lived until 1993 during which time, Ellie served as vice president of Forkner Publishing Corporation. In 1986, her beloved grandchild, Ross Kukulinski, was born, adding much joy to her life.

Ellie was devoted to her family—aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. Her favorite family get-together was the "Birthday Weekend" which was celebrated over Labor Day. Elinor was active in community, church, and school affairs both in New York City and Ridgewood.

The couple began vacationing at Flathead Lake Lodge, Bigfork, MT in the late 1970's and built a home on the lake in 1984. Since then, Ellie cherished her time in Montana and was a volunteer at the Bigfork Center for the Arts.

Her sunny disposition and warm smile will be missed by all that knew her.

Friends are invited to a memorial service for Ellie at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Highway 35, Bigfork, followed by a reception at Mountain Lakes Lodge, 1950 Sylvan Drive, Bigfork.