Elsie Jo Forsythe

Elsie Jo Forsythe, 89, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away on May 2nd, 2026, at the Sugar Fork Crossing assisted living facility in Anderson, Indiana. She was born on August 15th, 1936, in Romney, West Virginia. Elsie graduated as Valedictorian from Romney High School in Romney, West Virginia. A vocal prodigy, Elsie was discovered at a local performance; subsequently, at the age of 12, she was offered a full-ride scholarship by a local businessman to study voice. Elsie attended Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. While there, she met Richard, her husband of 64 years. After having two children, they relocated to West Lafayette, Indiana, where Richard began his career at Purdue University. They spent the remainder of their years in West Lafayette, where they welcomed three more children into their family. Elsie was a devoted mother and wife who cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was always grateful for the opportunity to stay home and raise her family, as that was of the utmost importance to her. An avid animal lover, she raised countless stray animals brought home by her children. In her later years, she deeply loved her companion, Booger the cat. An immaculate housekeeper and wonderful cook, Elsie was also a voracious reader who amassed a significant collection of books, with a particular fondness for cookbooks. Along with all these things, she will be fondly remembered for her class, style, and love of a cold glass of chardonnay. Elsie is survived by three of her children: Valerie Ann Mitchener; John Douglas (Susan Pacheco) Forsythe; and Roger Glen Forsythe; her son-in-law, Myron (Kathy) Brown; her grandchildren, Erin Brown, Scott (Angela) Mitchener, Ryan (Erin) Mitchener, Alex (Sarah) Baker, and Adam (Jessica) Baker; her great-grandchildren, Lilly Brown, Riley Dulin, Noah, Leyton, Caleigh, Caleb, and Clara Mitchener, and Graham and Kit Baker; and her half-sister, Lynn (Steve) Simpson. Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Richard O'Dell Forsythe; her children, Richard Brett Forsythe and Karen Jo Brown; her half-sister, Gwynn Stevenson; and her son-in-law, Ted Mitchener. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Humane Society.

Elsie Jo Forsythe

August 15, 1936 - May 2, 2026