She was born Jan. 8, 1956, in Kalamazoo, Mich., to Harmon C. and Graeme (Moffett) Ward. She married David A. Bortner on Aug. 16, 1980, in Bristol.

He survives along with two daughters at home, Megan A. and Robin L. Bortner; her mother of Bristol; one sister, Kay Sandberg of Aspen, Colo.; and two brothers, Murray (Kathy) Sandberg of Henderson, Nev., and Al (Sue) Sandberg of Middlebury.

Her father preceded her in death in 1999.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Cremation has taken place, with burial planned for a later date.

Mrs. Bortner was known as a wonderful homemaker and friend. She loved her horses, other animals, gardening and reading. She was a 1974 graduate of Elkhart High School and a 1978 Purdue University graduate, majoring in animal studies. She met her future husband, David, while at Purdue.

She was involved with her daughters' activities, volunteering with the Concord High School band and hosting 4-H activities in her barn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the E. Patricia Bortner Scholarship Fund, Purdue Foundation of Elkhart County, in care of Barbara Harley, 309 Park Ave., Goshen, IN 46526.