Virginia Forsythe Rye

Ginny to those who knew her, age 98, passed quietly in her sleep on Wednesday, November 25, 2015, in Spokane, WA. Born on September 17, 1917, she was the first child of Grace Steel Burk Forsythe and Joseph Weller Forsythe of Carnegie, PA. She pitched hay on the family farm, graduated from Bethany College and taught mathematics until WWII when she enlisted in the Navy where she obtained the rank of Lieutenant. She was awarded the coveted Navy Expert Pistol medal and she proudly kept the .45 cal pistol she qualified for the competition with. She met and married Army Lieutenant Olaf Nielsen Rye and went on to have three children who survive her. Linda Forsythe, Diane Moore and Douglas Rye. She was an enthusiastic member of the Daughters of the American Revolution honoring several of her patriot ancestors. The Carnegie Presbyterian Church had her as a devoted soul in the congregation and the community knew her for her warm and open heart. Virginia was a delighted grandmother of five and great-grandmother of five. She spent her final years in her childhood home in Carnegie with her surviving sister, Wanda Bell Clay, surrounded by her paintings and the mementos of a life well lived. Her family will miss her unfailing love and support but rejoice in the belief that she will join her beloved husband.