Illa Russell Fortier

OZARK…With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Illa L. Fortier, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose life was centered on faith, family, and love.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 6, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Michael Whitman officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Monday at the funeral home.

Illa was preceded in death by her parents, William Russell and Dicie Maloy; her siblings, James Carlos Russell, James Olin Russell, and Willene Brown; her children, Mary Glass and Jimmy Kirkland; and her son-in-law, Rocky Brock.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Robert J. Fortier, whom she adored and shared a lifetime of love with. She is also survived by her children, Diane (Lionel) Glass, Terri Brewington, Cassie (Gil) Cofresi, and Josh Fortier.

She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Patricia (Michael) Sutley, Alisha Glass, Brady Glass, Aubrey (Addie) Glass, LB (Abbi) Downing, Malik (Roxie) Delancey, Jalen Delancey, Alexa Cofresi, Dominic Cofresi, Alexander Fortier, Illa Fortier, and Helena Guinn-Fortier; along with 14 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren who were all a treasured part of her life.

Illa found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time working in her yard and tending to her garden, where her patience and care helped beautiful things grow. More than anything, she loved being surrounded by her family. Her children, grandchildren, and every generation that followed were the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

She will be remembered for her kind heart, her unwavering love for her family, and the warmth she shared with everyone who knew her. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her love, wisdom, and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of those who loved her forever.

Her family finds comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she loved so completely.