Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robyn Strayer Obituary
STRAYER,
Robyn Ayn
Robyn Ayn Fahnestock Gentle Strayer, age 48, of Newport, WA, passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2011 from a brain aneurysm.
Robyn was born on December 30th, 1962, at Fort Brooke Naval Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She completed twenty-one years of honorable service as a cryptologic technician and instructor in the United States Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 2002. Her awards and decorations include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Star, Good Conduct with four Bronze Stars, and qualification as a Master Training Specialist.
Robyn received her B.S. from the New York State Regents, which she earned while on active duty. She received her M.S. in Psychology from Eastern Washington University, where she currently worked as an Education/NCATE coordinator and adjunct professor. At the time of her death, Robyn was a doctoral candidate at Capella University. She was only weeks away from obtaining dissertation approval for her PhD in Counseling Psychology.
Robyn was preceded in death by her brother, Robert V. Fahnestock Gentle. She is survived by her husband, Tracey, and son, Zachary, of the home, her daughters, Brianna Apple (Jon) Woodsby and Lauren Apple (Casey Davis), her parents, Greg and Judy Gentle of Newport, WA, and Bob and Teri Fahnestock of Ottawa, KS, her brothers, Robert (Charlotte) Fahnestock, Troy (Jennifer) Fahnestock, Travis Gentle (Lisa Hanson), and Christopher (Phaedra) Fahnestock, and her sister, Sarah Fahnestock (Kaleb) Williams. Robyn also leaves behind a host of extended family members, all of whom loved her dearly.
Robyn was a truly remarkable human being. She was an incredible wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, mentor, leader, professor, counselor, writer, speaker, friend and patriot. Robyn commanded each room she walked into and touched the lives of every person she met. Her compassion for others was genuine and her capacity for love, immeasurable. Those characteristics, paired brilliantly with her quick wit and charm, brought pure joy to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
*In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in remembrance of Chief Petty Officer Robyn Strayer to the U.S. War Veterans PTSD Foundation. (azptsd.org)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robyn Strayer
Liz Boucher
April 27, 2022
I just read of Robyn´s passing today, as I was searching for Sister sailors from Bootcamp. My condolences to the Family. We had a great time in Bootcamp together. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Robyn.
Jose Sanchez
February 9, 2022
My deepest condolences to Chief Strayer's family. Robyn was my first Chief when I was stationed at NSGA Misawa Japan in 1990. She was the best Chief anyone Sailor could ask for. She always focused on our training and well-being. Kept us motivated and had the highest standards of professionalism and conduct and would accept nothing less from us. She was definitely a role model and mentor and the world was a better place because she was in it making a difference. When I was pinned to Chief in 2002 I fondly remembered all the lessons she taught me. Rest easy sister. Jose Sanchez CTRC(SS/SW/AW/NAC) USN (Ret)
Lori Long
December 22, 2011
I miss you Robyn. I think of you often as I am finishing up my bachelors degree and all your words of wisdom. I pray for your family this holiday season, as it will be the first one without you there. I hope we are all making you proud. I love you and God bless you. God bless your family.
Scott Maitland
December 22, 2011
Thinking of you and your family during the holiday season.
December 20, 2011
I only just found out about Chief Strayer's passing and am very saddened. Although I never knew her when I was enlisted, she was assigned to my division (N36 at NTTC Pensacola) in 2000. She was prone to speak her mind, but I always felt confident in her judgment and there was never a time she was not concerned for the troops. I ran into her once at Fort Meade and as always she was very professional and knowledgeable. I always appreciated her and knew that she could be counted on to accomplish the mission.
Education was always her business and it sounds that she was continuing in that endeavor when God called her home. I know she is surely in a better place, but we will all miss her. Her family, and especially her children, should know that she was a fine Chief Petty Officer, that they should always take great pride in her accomplishments, that she served her country admirably, and that she will serve an even higher cause now.
Frank Starr, LCDR USN Ret., Linton, IN
November 16, 2011
During the Holiday Season [Thanksgiving] thats when we really miss our loved ones. A "special prayer" today for Robyn's family for strength during these difficult times!!
Richard H. San Diego, Ca
Toby Doane
August 22, 2011
God Robyn, It is so ironic that you have left us so sad by your early departure, because you ALWAYS left us so happy in life. That quirky and straight-shooting sense of humor was truly one in a million and will be so sorely missed. You will always be remembered, and you will always be loved.
James R. Singletary
August 3, 2011
I just read the cryptolog today. This was a total shock. My condolences and prayers to all of you. Robyn and I worked closely together at Ft. Meade. She was absolutely one of the greatest. She will be greatly missed. Fair Winds and Following Seas Chief! What ever else you became, you were a Chief, first, last and always.
July 30, 2011
Robyn,
I just found out today and I am deeply saddened, You wrote me several emails after my surgery and made me smile and laugh many times when times were tough for me. I will miss your wit and great outlook.
My condolences and prayers go out to the Strayer family in their loss.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Sister Strayer.
Todd Caldwell
BMC USN(Ret)
Julie Duffy
July 7, 2011
Robyn, I decided just now that I will no longer cry when I think of losing you. Nope. I'm going to smile instead, and instead remember all that I gained from being your friend all these years. That is how you would've wanted it, and that is exactly how I will honor you - - with humility and gratitude for what I gained rather than sorrow for what I lost. So long, my sister. You were one of a kind and will never be forgotten by any of us. Ever.
George Schmidt
June 24, 2011
I did not know her but from the things i've read she must have been a very nice and loveing person. Needless to say she will be missed
June 23, 2011
You are missed Robyn..rest in peace.. Carolyn Mitchell GMBA, DKCS, USN(RET)..
Earl Jussila
June 23, 2011
We miss you Robyn.
Jussila HTC- USN/Ret
Robyn with Brianna and Lauren
June 23, 2011
Lee Thomas
June 16, 2011
Thank you for everything. You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and if it weren’t for you I wouldn’t be in the masters program at Whitworth. You were the best teacher I had at EWU.
Your loving husband
June 12, 2011
You made me the man I am today. I love and miss you so much, my life will never be the same. You were my shining star. "You are my Robyn, I am your Tracey". I will love you forever babe-:)
Emily S
June 10, 2011
Robyn was my statistics instructor in my junior year of Eastern Washington University's CEDP program. I was intimidated by statistics, but Robyn had faith in me. She was an amazing female role model... articulate, kind, and spunky! Robyn helped me cross the first bridge to obtaining my bachelor's degree. Tomorrow, I will graduate with my Master of Public Administration. I know she'd be so proud, and I'll be thinking of her.
June 8, 2011
Charise Monge
June 4, 2011
Robyn was my teacher; in the three months of taking her class. I learned a lot about my self, different types of personalities, and counseling techniques that I will use. She was very helpful, and I viewed her as a strong woman figured that could kick butt if she needed to. I know he has imprinted my life.
Lori Long
June 4, 2011
Robyn,
you opened my eyes to the kind of counselor I hope to become. I never got the chance to tell you how much I looked up to you; for that I am sorry. I will always remember your words of wisdom, like "nacho cheese". I feel so grateful to have known you and got the opportunity to learn from you. I pray that when I become a counselor you will be looking down at me with pride.
To the family,
I send all my prayers to you every night. May God be with you all.
Richard Hoggarth
June 3, 2011
For those that knew you, they lost an amazing person who touched their lives in many different ways [too many to mention]. For those that knew you by just words & friendship without ever meeting you, they lost one of "God's Angels", who will be forever looking through the holes in heaven keeping us safe!
Emily Petrusa
June 2, 2011
My prayers are with Robyn's family and friends. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but have heard amazing things from her daughter, Brianna. From the comments from friends and family, I can tell how inspirational and loving Robyn was. Although I didn't know her, I know that she raised an incredible woman, who I am blessed to call a friend, and who will carry on her memory. Rest in peace
June 1, 2011
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Robyn A. Strayer for your loss, to honor her service to our country and our patriotic hero.
Jennifer Werther
June 1, 2011
Condolences to the Family. I knew Robyn in Pensacola 2000-2003. We had a great Chiefs Mess and Chiefs Club and had great times. We reconnected this last year on Facebook. Chief, RIP, fairwinds and following seas! Sincerely, Jennifer "Hap" Werther, CTOC(SW) Retired
Maggie Martinez
May 31, 2011
To all of Robyn's family and friends,
May God be with you during this challenging time. May you find peace knowing that Robyn is now with God and that she has found eternal life. I had the pleaseure of meeting Robyn FINALLY this winter when her sister Sarah recieved her Bachelors degree. It was like meeting a long lost sister. She helped me come to peace with the loss of my niece a year ago. She was warm kind intelligent and funny she was everything I had come to expect from a Fahenstock. She will be truly missed, but never forgotten. Love you Robyn. kiss kiss
Joe Foy
May 30, 2011
May you Rest In Peace, Chief Strayer. We will miss you in NTWS. This Gunner wishes he could have met you some day, as you were a remarkable shipmate. Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Alicia Williams
May 30, 2011
Rest in peace, you were the definition of shipmate the way it was intended. Always there for everyone when they were need, you are missed.
Chuck & Alicia Williams
Bill Culver
May 30, 2011
I also only knew Robyn through Navy Together We Serve web site. I recently was having (still am) some health issues and also go through the grief of my brother's pancreas cancer and death. Robyn wrote some very caring and sincere thoughts. My brother passed on May 16 just three days prior to Robyn. I was shocked when I saw this tonight.
So, dear Robyn, thanks for being my friend and perhaps you and my brother may share a friendship in heaven.
mike gray
May 29, 2011
I dont get it,and i dont wanna get it! why we have lost you so early! much love to you! much love to your family!
Wes Linscott
May 29, 2011
Rest in peace, Shipmate. This fellow Navy veteran salutes you.
Teresa Rhodes
May 29, 2011
Rest in Peace Chief Strayer. God Bless You!
Zane & Sandy Gray
May 29, 2011
May the love of your friends Zane and Sandy help carry you through during these hard times.
John Quinn
May 28, 2011
I sure wish I would have had the honor of meeting you, Robyn. You lived the words of the CPO Creed everyday and will be missed by so many. Rest easy, my Sister - We have the watch. John W. Quinn, YNCS(SW), USN, Ret
Maricela Lettieri
May 28, 2011
May you rest in peace, Robyn! Reading your posts on GOATS makes me wish I had the pleasure of knowing you; my only hope is that there are others like you to learn from!
~Maricela Lettieri, LNC(SW/AW), USN
AW1 Carl Mottern USNR RET
May 28, 2011
Rest in peace Shipmate. Fair winds, and followings seas. Rest your oars, your watch, is complete.
RM1 Pat Gibney
May 28, 2011
Add me to your list of peeps that didn't actually know you. Read your posts on NTWS and you gave me some huge laughs. From what I've read, you were truly a distinctive human being. You will be missed.
May 28, 2011
Sailor rest your oars, we have the watch
Jeff Muniz, MMCM(SS)
John Forton, SHC USN-RET
May 28, 2011
You will be dearly missed Shipmate. Rest your oars, we have the watch.
Sal Devlin, CTACS, USN (ret)
May 27, 2011
Misson accomplished. Well done! I'll miss you. Love and Light. With utmost respect,
May 27, 2011
Robyn, while I never met you in person, I felt I knew you and counted you as a friend since I exchanged some word on the Navy Together We Served Website some 4 plus year ago. I felt you were very intelligent, compassionate person who knew how to take charge. We served at different times in the Navy, I entered about the time you were born and retired with my 26 years shortly after you enlisted I still considered you a shipmake. Hand Salute Chief
Mike O'Neil, Chief Petty Officer, U.S.N.
May 27, 2011
Rest in Peace Robyn, you will be greatly missed. Rest your oars, we have the watch.
RIP, Robyn!
Judie Thomas, YNC(ret)
May 27, 2011
You will be missed by the countless number of people whose lives you touched. Fair winds and following seas! We've got the watch, Sister!
Phillip Kincaid
May 27, 2011
Rest in peace Robyn. You will be missed!
William Fury
May 27, 2011
RIP Chief! Robyn was one of those "Can Do" people ! With a Smile she took on the imposible .Trying to Please Over 590,000 Sailors, She didnt Fail !, She worked her Heart Out,no matter the Rank or Rate, She served her country to the end . She couldnt get enough of us ,and we as well . God has called a Real Trouper to his Home . She will make Heaven Rock .God bless her Family, and Chief !,I Salute you .Rest your oars! VO7
Lisa (Roach)Peckenpaugh
May 27, 2011
My condolences to Robyn's family, you are in my prayers.
David Reid, USN (Ret)
May 27, 2011
The Navy's cryptologic community is a small, albeit tight knit group. Although we may never meet in person, we share a bond through the work we do, and the legacy that we leave. Robyn was the epitome of a naval leader, a professional enlisted cryptologist, teacher and mentor. Her contributions will live on and she will not be forgotten. Your duty done, you stand relieved. We who remain will carry on in your honor and memory.
Richard Cooper
May 27, 2011
A true American and an all around great person. I hope her family finds peace in knowing that she accomplished many goals and helped so many people reach theirs!
Fair winds and following seas shipmate...we have the watch.
Stuart Dahl
May 27, 2011
I had the pleasure to meet her just the one time, but also knew her from NTWS. She was a truly outstanding person in every regard: charismatic, confident, intelligent, giving, cheerful, up beat, dedicated. She will be missed by anyone who knew her.
FW&FS, Shipmate!
Arthur Holstein
May 27, 2011
You made our Navy a much better place. May God take your hand and Lead you to Peace. You are Our Angel to watch and help us. God Bless You. Chief Robyn, Rest Your Oars. We Have The Watch.
Gary Schreffler
May 27, 2011
Her candle burned out long before her legend ever will.
Jim Spencer
May 27, 2011
I only knew Robyn through the NTWS web site but she definitely made an impact in my life, Fair Winds and Following Seas Chief. We have assumed the watch. You are missed.
Amber Williams
May 26, 2011
I will miss you so much Robyn! Your emails always touched my heart and your classes were the ones I gained the most from. I know you will continue to watch over us and guide us from a far! I will never forget you or the lessons you taught me: "Character is not defined by the black and white areas of our lives; character is defined in the gray areas of our lives" you had character girl! Your Student Always, Amber
John Bilinsky
May 26, 2011
Fair Winds Rob....we have the watch! No worries!
Neil Larsen
May 26, 2011
Rest easy, Robyn. We will watch over your family. Thank you for your Friendship, advice, and good humor. I will never forget you.
Merri Wahl
May 26, 2011
I think of the song "Fly" by Celine Dion for Robyn. Rest in Peace.
Michael Froelich
May 26, 2011
We all have lost a great friend. All at NTWS will miss you. God Speed Chief.
Steve Loomis
May 26, 2011
I'm sorry, this story wasn't supposed to end this way. Rest in Peace Chief.
Zach Pullins
May 26, 2011
I appreciate and cherish the short period of time that I had to know you and learn so much from. Your impact to our Navy will not be forgotten. May God bless Robyn's family and all the lives that she touched with her wit and unique perspective on life.
Wendy Hooks
May 26, 2011
Rest in Peace Sister! Your bright light is missed by all who had the honor to know you!
Larry and Dori Ripple
May 26, 2011
Rest easy Robin. It was a honor to have known you.
Angela Lambert
May 26, 2011
may peace and light fill the hearts of her loved ones.
Roger Shaulis
May 26, 2011
You were maybe 4 or 5 years old when I met and served with your father (1966 &
1967). You and I were selected shipmates
here on NTWS. You will be missed.
William Petty
May 26, 2011
Rest in peace Chief
Angela Dewberry Kratt
May 26, 2011
To my dear cousin you were a wonderful role model for all the women in your life. We will miss you.
Al Pierson
May 26, 2011
Robyn,
You'll be remembered as a Shipmate, Helper for those in need of help and as an amazing person.
To Robyn's family,
My condolences for your lost. May God help you find solace in the fact she was known and loved by many and your lost is ours to.
Darwin Mckee
May 26, 2011
Rest in Peace Chief.....Your are the perfect example of only
the good die young. Always will remember you.
Darwin (Mac) Mckee
Hayley Lake
May 26, 2011
Robyn,
You were an amazing, loyal friend and I am blessed to have known you. I truly respected you and I will miss you.
James Wells
May 26, 2011
Your watch is over and you have honored all those before and after you. May you sails be full and your course be straight. You are now sailing the biggest ship of them all. You will be missed.
Anna Martin
May 26, 2011
Fair winds and following seas, Robyn. God speed on your next journey.
Aunt J.
May 26, 2011
Be at peace sweet Robyn!!!
Scott Maitland
May 26, 2011
Rest easy Robyn, your shipmates have the watch. Thanks for allowing us to share your life.
Paul Day
May 26, 2011
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Randy Deitz
May 26, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Ronald Tollison
May 26, 2011
Fair Winds and following Seas to you Chief Robyn Strayer may NEPTUNE be kind to you Rest in Peace
Glenn Gumpman
May 26, 2011
I only knew Robyn through an internet connection (NTWS). It was obvious that she was a caring and considerate person who always put others before herself. Her presence on that site was treasured by many. Her efforts there and positive outlook on life and the U.S. Navy will be missed.
Sailor, rest your oars! -- Rest in Peace Dear...
Michael Withers
May 26, 2011
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
John Shaulis
May 26, 2011
A bright star now shines in the heavens when we lost Robyn. Though we never met personally, you are considered a true Shipmate. God Speed Chief, you'll be missed by all.
Bobbe Stuvengen
May 26, 2011
As a World War II Veteran (Navy WAVE), I knew Robin only through the NTWS web site, but she will live forever in my memory. Rest in Peace Shipmate.
May 26, 2011
Thank you and God Speed Ship Mate
Susan Adams
May 26, 2011
Eternal rest, grant unto Robyn, o Lord. May the perpetual light shine upon her, and may her soul rest in peace. Amen.
You made the world a better place, my friend. I'll miss you.
Showing 1 - 83 of 83 results
Make a Donation
in Robyn Strayer's name
Memorial Events
for Robyn Strayer
How to support Robyn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robyn Strayer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
