Virginia F. Firth
Virginia F. Firth, 94, of Firth Road, Spartansburg, entered into the presence of her Lord peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at home surrounded by her family.
Virginia was born on September 28, 1931, to the late Vance G. and Leora M. (Small) Slater. She was preceded in death by her husband J. William “Bill” Firth whom she married on February 7, 1970, after meeting him at the Spartansburg Fair.
Also preceding her in death was her son, Gary Knowlton; her siblings, Vance G. Slater Jr., Donald Slater, and Carol McCann, and her son in law, Evan Reese.
Virginia was raised in Titusville and was a graduate of Titusville High School, class of 1949. She later earned her LPN license from Venango County Area Vocational-Technical School in 1969.
Throughout her life, Virginia worked a variety of jobs, the most important one she had was caring for her family. She was extremely proud of her son David for joining the Air Force and her son Gary for joining the Navy. Despite the many challenges her daughter Robin faced throughout her life, Virginia was grateful that Robin found the love of her life and made her home in Florida. She was immensely proud of all her grandchildren and their accomplishments.
After marrying Bill, she embraced one of the most rewarding roles of her life; becoming a farm wife. The transition from town life to farm life became one of the most fulfilling and challenging experiences. She learned to drive, did barn chores and managed the farm when Bill was away, all while still taking care of her family. Her mother-in-law, Lois, was a tremendous help as Virginia learned the many new skills required for farm life.
Virginia and Bill were blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Heidi. Virginia was a wonderful mother who encouraged and supported Heidi in learning new skills, trying new activities and discovering her talents. Whether it was baking, crafting, cooking, gardening or sewing, Virginia was always willing to teach—and continued learning herself. She loved reading, drawing, birding, attending concerts, traveling, going to musicals, she loved nature and all of God’s creation.
Virginia was a faithful servant and member of the Centerville Fellowship Church. Her love of the church and music was constant throughout her life. She began taking piano lessons at the age of six and served as the organist for Centerville Fellowship Church for 15 years. Virginia and Bill were able to travel to visit family in their retirement. Trips to Hawaii, Arizona, and New York with her brother-in-law Todd, and his wife, Dolly, provided many joyful memories.
Survivors include her son, David Knowlton and wife Dianne of Choctaw; her daughters, Robin Reese of Lake Wales, FL and Heidi Long and husband George of Spartansburg, PA; her grandchildren, Gary Knowlton of Stanwood, WA, Autumn Knowlton of Seattle, WA, Nick Knowlton and wife Nastja of Auckland, New Zealand, Amy Duncan and husband Derek of Choctaw, OK, Sarah Darwin and husband Jason of Jacksonville, FL, Emily Summers and Rachel Knowlton of Jacksonville, FL, Joshua Long and Benjamin Long of Spartansburg, PA and Anna Long of Union City, PA, seven great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Family and Friends may call on Saturday, July 18, at Centerville Fellowship Church, 18679 Erie St. Centerville, PA 16404 from 10:00 am until the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am. Pastor Joe Kosarek and Pastor Skip Laird will officiate.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Virginia’s caregivers, Keeley and Dianne, for their patience, kindness and devotion. Special thanks to all the doctors and Crawford County Hospice staff who provided dignity and compassion to Virginia during her final months.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests contributions to Centerville Fellowship Church PO Box 24 Centerville, PA 16404 or Miracle Mountain Ranch Missions, 101 Rodeo Drive Spring Creek, PA 16436.