Jeannine Alldredge Fortney, 88, formerly of Tuscola, passed away peacefully at Carle Foundation Hospital on January 10, 2025.

She was born August 4, 1936, in Vincennes, Indiana, the only daughter of Kenneth B. and Genella C. Alldredge.

Jeannine had a lifelong love and passion for education. She received her teaching degree from Eastern Illinois University. She taught English and history to high school and junior high school students in Sullivan (1970-1980), Arcola (1980-2000), and Oakland for one year. She was a sponsor for the yearbook and Student Council, and she coordinated graduation ceremonies.

After retirement she worked for several years at Rockome Gardens. She was also active in Kiwanis and the First Christian Church. Her Kiwanis membership led her to co-sponsor the K-Kids group at North Ward Elementary. She was passionate about literacy and assembled volunteers to listen to students of all ages read aloud. This became so important to her that she often spent 5-6 hours a day, five days a week supporting the students and the teachers with whatever they might need. When she was out and about in Tuscola, young students often called her by name and gave her a hug! Each of them was so special to her.

Jeannine was often recognized for her community service work. She received the 2010 Volunteer of the Year award by the Tuscola Chamber of Commerce, the Paul Jones Volunteer of the Year award (2013-2014) by the Kiwanis Club of Tuscola, the Outstanding Dedication to Public Education award (2015) by the IEA/NEA Region 8, and the Distinguished Service Award (2018-2019) by the Kiwanis Club of Tuscola. When she was younger, she served as a Girl Scout leader for many years. Her children have many fond memories of the living room in their house stacked with hundreds of boxes of cookies and, of course, all of the summer camps at Brad-o-Clen. They learned so much!

Jeannine and her first husband, Frank Munsey, had four children, Phyllis (Troy) Truitt, Marlynna (Dan) Schaefer, Byron Craig Munsey, and Julie (Matt) Beyer.

Jeannine was infinitely proud of her grandchildren: Travis Truitt (Tim Oravec), Trisha (Ben) Sluder, Matthew Schaefer (Chad Rousseau), Michael Schaefer (Javier Oliveros), Mark (Abby) Schaefer, Melinda (Chad) Schweighart, Megan Beyer (Alexis Dianda), Mikayla Beyer, and Dylan Beyer (Emily Summers). Equally important to her were her great grandchildren, Alexis Sluder (Nick) Bates, Lucas Sluder, Kaitlyn Schweighart, Aubrey Schaefer, Ethan Schaefer, and Kynnedi Schweighart. And her newest pride and joy was her great-great granddaughter Emerson Bates.

On January 25, 1979, she married Charles Shaffer and gained three stepchildren: Charles (Linda) Shaffer Jr., Michael (Mary) Shaffer, and William Shaffer (deceased) as well as their children and grandchildren. They remained an important part of her life. Chuck was the love of her life; together they had many adventures and enjoyed life to the fullest. He preceded her in death on January 29, 1996. On October 8, 2005, she married Joseph Fortney; he preceded her in death on August 16, 2007.

Memorials are suggested to the North Ward Reading Program.

Services celebrating her life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL with Rev. Tony Crouch officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.