Virginia (Rexrode) Pitsenbarger

Virginia Mae (Rexrode) Pitsenbarger, 97, of Amherst, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Fairmont Crossing Health and Rehab.

She was born June 6, 1926 in Doe Hill, a daughter of the late William Ernest and Dora (Simmons) Rexrode.

The eldest child, Virginia grew up between Doe Hill and Moyers, WV where she helped both her dad on the farm, as well as her mother in the home with housework and the care of her younger siblings. At times she would stay with neighbors when they were expecting a baby, providing care to the other children. She was a student at a local one room school and attended St. Paul Lutheran Church.

On May 19, 1951 she married Henry Clay Pitsenbarger, who preceded her in death February 18, 2000. They bought a farm adjacent to her parents on Hiner Mill Road where they lived until 1959. At that time Henry received a teaching job and they moved their four small children to Amherst County. Once settled in, the family started attending Amherst Baptist Church. In her later years she was very involved with the Ruth Sunday School Class, helping prepare and serve Wednesday evening youth meals and serving on a committee to provide various other meals. They maintained their connection to St. Paul Lutheran Church by attending each time they returned to the farm.

In Amherst she applied her work ethics from growing up on the farm as she and Henry always had a large garden. She canned and shared the summer bounty with friends and neighbors. In the spring she enjoyed gathering and preparing water cress and dandelions and her numerous house plants attested to her “green thumb.” She continued gardening into her late 80s. 

Virginia's nurturing ways continued in Amherst as she cared for her family and started babysitting for several of Henry’s coworkers. Once word about her caring nature spread, more teachers sought her out. By the time she retired in 1980, she was caring for 11 children, aged infant to school age, as well as several after school. In her spare time, she enjoyed working on puzzles. Above all, Virginia will be remembered for the love and time she spent enjoying her family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a grandson, Matthew Tyler Pitsenbarger; sisters, Beulah Rexrode, Mary Eckard, Lena Simmons Shifflett; infant sister, Luella; and brother, Russell Rexrode.

She is survived by sons, Wendell and wife, Rebecca of Altavista, Harold and wife, Susan of Amherst and Larry and wife, Ruth of Bellevue, NE; daughter, Betty Artman and husband, Delroy of Berwick, PA; sisters, Annie Simmons of Bridgewater, Norma Cunningham and husband, Paul of Williamsville; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Rexrode of Winchester; five grandsons, Christopher Artman and wife, Louise of Berwick, PA, Benjamin Artman and wife, Emily of Catawissa, PA, Timothy Artman and wife, Janice of Bloomsburg, PA, John Kerns IV and wife, Susannah of Richmond and Dr. Robnet Kerns and wife, Tammy of Raleigh, NC; nine great-grandchildren, Elyse, Eden, Estelle, Isaac, Emma and Virginia Artman, Lily,  John V and Olivia Kerns; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Friday, February 2, 2024 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell, with Rev. Jerry Smith officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Virginia’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be sent to St. Paul Cemetery Association, c/o Joeann Moyers, 1685 Doe Hill Road, Sugar Grove, WV 26815.