Mertie C. (Solt) Forsythe

Mertie C. Forsythe, 94, of Lewistown, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Greenwood Village.

Born in Vira on September 12, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Colyer M. and Myrtle P. (Snyder) Solt.

She wed the love of her life, David K. Forsythe Sr. on Nov. 26, 1949. Together they formed a beautiful, loving life for both family and friends.

In addition to her parents, and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, David K Forsythe Jr., daughter, baby girl Forsythe; son-in-law, William ‘Bill’ Benny; sisters, Laura Kuhns, Joan Sherman; brothers, Lloyd, Cloyd, Ray (Jack) and James.

She is survived by her daughters, Mertie ‘Kay’ Benny, Cindy Kratzer (Norman); daughter-in-law, Patti Forsythe; grandchildren, Penny Foster (Daniel), Sally Walters (Michael), Todd Benny (Cathy), Eric Forsythe (Michelle), Gail Forsythe and companion, James Kirk, Ryan Benny and companion, Lori Yingling, Brandi Fisher and companion, Shawn Edminston, and Jeremy Rhodes; 17 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; a loving sister,  Velma (Solt) Fultz, of Burnham; loving brother, Glen Solt, of Lewistown; and a very special loving friend and caregiver, Pam Grenninger, who was with her until the end.

Mertie was a beloved soul who touched many lives during her 94 years of living with God as her Savior. Her childhood in McClure gave her many fond memories of attending the McClure schools. Upon her family moving to Burnham, she graduated from Burnham High School in 1949.

Mertie cared for her beloved Dave, immaculately at home until his death.

As a wonderful daughter, mother and grandmother, Mertie worked endlessly. Being the fourth of nine children, Mertie helped in many ways growing up by making the butter, canning, and helping with her younger siblings and just being the thoughtful person she was.

Mertie retired from Lewistown Hospital with over 31 years of service from 1963 to 1994. She started out in the dietary serving the doctor’s meals, baking and head cook before transferring to an office position in the microfilming department.

Mertie, Velva and Glen were traveling companions for many years and have special memories of the fun they had on their adventurous trips.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Greenwood Village who lovingly cared for Mertie until her last breath.

Graveside service with interment will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 11, 2024, at Vira Methodist Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, November 11, 2024, at Freedom Ave. United Methodist Church with Rev. Stephen Portner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mertie’s memory to Freedom Ave. Church, 513 E. Freedom Ave., Burnham, PA 17009.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com

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