September 2, 1936 – August 1, 2026
Ronald J. Bortner of Bedford passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 1, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born September 2, 1936, in Ripley, New York, he was the son of James R. and Maxine M. (Potter) Bortner. He married Donetta Cline on May 10, 1961, and she preceded him in death on February 2, 2004.
He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served proudly from 1954-1958. He spent the preponderance of his career working at Crane, where he retired in 1989. He was also a talented photographer for more than 75 years and owned Bortner Photography in Bedford. He was a frequent contributor to Outdoor Indiana Magazine from 1967 to 1983, with 18 cover photos during that time. Ron was a Member of Hillcrest Christian Church and American Legion Post 33.
Surviving to honor his memory are two sons, David Bortner and his wife Tysha of Jackson, MO, and Dan Bortner and his wife April of Bedford; one daughter, Tina Delph and her partner Frank Leap of Sheridan, IN. Eight grandchildren Ashley (Clayton) Barnes, Alex Bortner, Dylan (Kaylee) Bortner, Jordan (Kayla) Masters, Landon (K’Taya) Masters, Walker Bortner, Dawson Bortner, and Will Bortner, and five Great Grandchildren; Claire Barnes, Saylor Bortner, Sutton Bortner, Kasen Masters, Lakeland Masters, and Norah Masters
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jerry Bortner, and his wife, Donetta.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Monday, August 10th at 1:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Christian Church, located at 1130 Hillcrest Road in Bedford, with Pastors Mark Fugate and Charlie Scott officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery in Bedford. Friends may call on Sunday, August 9th at the Day and Carter Mortuary from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Monday, August 10th from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at Hillcrest Christian Church. Military Rites will be held at the Gravesite.
Instead of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Ron Bortner Memorial Scholarship Fund with the BNL Scholarship Foundation.
Condolences can be made at www.daycarter.com.
