Richard Scott Strite

Richard “Dick” Strite of Inwood, WV passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 15th with family by his side at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruhamah Strite; daughter, Barbara Strite of Potomac Falls, VA; son, David Strite (Lisa) of Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Matthew and Meghan Strite; sister Joanna Athey ( Don) and cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl Theodore Strite and Lucille Scott Strite of Martinsburg, WV along with his twin brother Robert Earl Strite.
Born July 31, 1932, Dick graduated from Martinsburg High School in 1950. He enlisted in the United States Navy where he spent the next four years. The Navy afforded Dick the opportunity to see many parts of the world including California, Japan and Korea. After completing his service, he returned home and attended West Virginia University then ultimately earned his degree from nearby Shepherd College in 1960. His first job out of school was teaching mathematics at Mussleman High School in Inwood, WV. where he met and soon married fellow teacher Ruhamah in 1961.
Dick and Ruhamah moved to Falls Church, VA when Dick took a job working with the Civil Aeronautics Board in Washington, D.C. Almost 30 years later he retired from the Department of Transportation and returned to Berkley County, WV where he lived until his death. Dick’s time in Virginia was spent raising two children, playing golf and just being and all round good person. He was actively involved in the Falls Church Presbyterian Church where many lifelong friendships formed. He was a devoted father and husband. Family was always a priority for Dick. There was always time to coach little league, help with homework, play golf with David and attend family events. He was known to write corny but heartfelt poems on special occasions.
In retirement, Dick enjoyed crossword puzzles, following the stock market, watching sports (especially the Washington Nationals) and spending time with friends and family. He never hesitated to mention how grateful he was to have found such a loving wife or his unconditional pride of children and grandchildren. When reflecting about his life and family, he would often refer to himself as “Lucky Strite”.
A service to celebrate Dick’s life will be held at the Gerrardstown Presbyterian Church on Saturday September 18 at 11 a.m. The family request that expressions of sympathy be made in Dick’s memory to The American Kidney Fund,11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD, 20852 or Gerrardstown Presbyterian Church, 372 Dominion Rd., Gerrardstown, WV, 25420.