Virginia Lee Martin Forest

Virginia Lee Martin Forest entered this life on March 13, 1942. Her parents were Clyde and Virginia Hardin Martin, both deceased. She went home, peacefully with her daughter and her wife, Patria Geary Fielding, at her side, on August 4, 2021.

She treasured her family and friends. She is survived by two brothers, John Martin and David Martin. She is also survived by two children, Edward Benner (Sara) and Carol Rusch (Perry) and one stepdaughter, Aria Hood (Greg). She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Edward Benner,Jr. (son Bryson), Dean Rusch, Kent Rusch (wife Michelle and children, Mya and Ronan), Chase Rusch (wife Allie and children, Millie and Lennie), and Mitch Rusch (Jaylyn).

She held close and dear Tiffany Ruelas and Tony Antku (daughter Bianca).

Virginia was a dedicated homemaker and a bus driver for Jefferson County Public Schools. Her career with JCPS spanned nearly 30 years. She drove special needs students and counted them as lively treasures to be celebrated on holidays, supported at every turn, and kept safe when in her care. Virginia was a person who showed up when needed and had the practical, perceptive wisdom of the ages to share. She and her wife were married in 2015 soon after the United States Supreme Court ruled that all states including Kentucky had to allow such. At that time they had been together 33 years.

Her wife misses her very much but assured Virginia she would be OK. She will.

A private visitation, quiet celebration of life, and tender release occurred on Sunday, August 8, 2021. Virginia loved birds, especially chickadees, cardinals, and hummingbirds. She wrapped her dogs and cats in tender care. She followed with passion the local reports on Ethan, the dog found near death at the Kentucky Humane Society. Finally, she felt very fortunate to have found her true path and joy in life. So, she would celebrate any donations in her memory to the following:

National Audubon Society, 225 Varick St. New York, NY 10014 or Kentucky Humane Society, 241 Steedly Dr. Louisville, KY 40214, or the Fairness Campaign, 2263 Frankfort Ave. Louisville, KY 40206