Everett Fortner, a minister, and his wife Ida made their home in Virginia until they moved to Bucyrus with their family around 1964. Everett was a missionary in Canada and Bucyrus was midpoint, plus he also got a job at Shunk Mfg. He wasn’t shy about carrying a paint brush with him for more jobs.

Randy was 12 when he moved with his siblings — Daryl, Sueann, Sonny, Tony and Twyla. They had moved many times because of their dad's occupation. Randy loved physical activity and Mr. Strader’s gymnastic class was a favorite. Becoming a teenage father in his junior/senior year didn’t stop him from achieving his goals. He worked full time at Miracle Mart and graduated Bucyrus High School in 1970.

After some years, Randy enrolled in adult studies classes at Mt. Vernon Nazarene College for his spiritual growth. He also was hired at Timken in 1972 and over the years held multiple positions, retiring in 2002 with 30 years of service. After a couple of failed relationships, Randy started the Positive Christian Singles group at the Nazarene Church which lasted at least 30 years. His "wheels" was an old yellow van that looked pretty tired. The singles group worked out well, says Diane Miller, who was trying to find her own way in life. Her life changed when she met this dark, handsome fellow from Virginia. They became friends and dated for three years.

Diane, a daughter of Alvin and Jackie Miller had experienced a totally different life. She was raised on a part of the “Miller Family Farms” south of Bucyrus, along with siblings Bev, Charlene and Steve. Diane loved the outdoors and was involved in 4-H and sports, including running at the state track meet in 1975. She also played basketball, was a cheerleader and football queen. She graduated in 1975 from Wynford and went on to ATI/OSU in Wooster studying floriculture. She spent a lot of time crying; she was so homesick. Sue Stander, now of Norton’s Flowers, became her roommate. On a Christmas break Diane felt privileged to work for Eddie Norton and Ann Cosgrove at Norton’s.

Later, Diane returned home and was trying to find herself in life and took on different jobs. One was working for Jim Wise at the Wise Furniture Store, which she enjoyed very much. Later, Dave Downs bought Wise Furniture. Diane had also established a home for herself in the Harvey Homestead for about three years. Diane’s relationship with Randy Fortner and Positive Christian Singles led them to their marriage and establishing their home at the Homestead.

Randy continued to work at Timken, but during a brief layoff in '80s, he purchased a carpet cleaning business from Dave Downs. Randy and Diane operated their Action Carpet Care business for 30 years. When he had to return to Timken, Diane took over.

The couple also drove school buses — Diane for 15 years and Randy as a sub. Also during that time, they had welcomed two sisters from foster care; Nicole was 10 months and Kathy was 5. The couple later adopted them. Four years later it was a big surprise when Diane learned she was pregnant with son Ryan.

The Harvey School is beside the Fortner’s home on Caldwell Road. The Harvey School House Restoration Project began in 2003. During a bad snowstorm, the Fortners opened their door to Betty Hapke and her friend Doris Jones, who was waiting in the car. They were shocked to see them and even more surprised when Betty announced her vision for the school. Time passed, paperwork was completed, and Howard Harvey, the owner, donated 3 acres of land and what little was left of the school. The Fortners moved from being critics to supporters, more interested in preserving the history of “Harvey” than restoration. The old school had served as the heartbeat of the community and now many volunteers, including the Fortners, keep it alive with projects that provide funds for the upkeep.

Randy and Diane also serve as volunteers with a very positive group, Celebrate Recovery, with the Marion Nazarene Church. It changes lives, including their own as they witness the results.

The Fortners have five children: Michelle Owings, the oldest and a teacher at River Valley for 32 years; Chad, a paramedic and second generation owner of Action Carpet Care; Kathy Swerlein, their delightful firecracker; Nicole Huber, a most compassionate gal, and Ryan, who loves sports. They also have 11 grandchildren.

Go online for more of Mary Fox’s stories and photos on bucyrustelegraphforum.com. If you are interested in sharing a story, write Mary Fox, 931 Marion Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820 or email littlefoxfactory@columbus.rr.com.