Mahala Fortner

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mahala Beth, who left this world on October 28, 2024 after a courageous battle with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Born in Eugene, Oregon on August 13, 1978, Mahala lived a vibrant and spirited life that touched everyone she encountered.

 Mahala graduated from Buena High School, Ventura, California in 1996. In addition to earning a B.A. in Sociology and Criminology from California State University Northridge in 2001, Mahala was a free-spirited yoga instructor, talented esthetician, licensed massage therapist, QHHT practitioner and devoted mother. Known for her loud laughter and boisterous personality, Mahala dedicated herself to holistic wellness, sharing her knowledge and love for life with those around her. She faced life with courage and fearlessness, and her kindness and warmth will be missed by all who knew her.

 Mahala’s greatest joy was her son, Jude Thaddeus Roper, whom she called her “miracle baby.” Upon learning of her second diagnosis of cancer in early 2023, Mahala resided in Gulf Breeze with her mother, Geri Lynn Dickinson and stepfather, Christopher E. Dickinson. Mahala was blessed with the unwavering support of Jude’s father, Dylan Daniel Roper, Sr. and half-brother, Dylan Roper Jr. of Lillian, Alabama. She also leaves behind her father, James B. (Jas) Fortner and stepmother, Brenda Fortner, of Camp Point, Illinois, her two sisters, Erika Lynn Fortner (Tad Ericson), Portland, Oregon, and Jamie Grace, Quincy, Illinois, as well as two half-brothers, Scott Sharp (& Heather Sharp) of Portland, Oregon and Ezra Howell, of Hope, Maine, her nieces, Mazy Howell, of Asheville, North Carolina and Freya Noir Fortner, of Portland, Oregon, as well as her nephew, Finnegan Sharp, of Portland Oregon.

 A celebration of life for Mahala’s community will be held on November 14, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at 1202 Panferio Dr. Pensacola Beach for a cacao ceremony and dance circle, where we invite friends and family to gather and share memories, laughter, and love in her honor. 

 Rest in peace, dear Mahala. Your light will continue to shine in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an educational fund established for her son Jude. Please send all donations to Venmo (Geri-Dickinson-1).