Mary C Swantz

Mary C Swantz was born January 27, 1931 near Kalona, Iowa the daughter of Christian A Gingerich and Susie Anna (Miller) Gingerich. She attended East Lincoln rural school. On January 17, 1952 she was united in marriage to Lewis Emery Swantz. They lived and worked in rural Kalona, Iowa and Mobile, Alabama during their entire married life. Mary continued to serve as a housekeeper during her retirement years. She was a charter member of Sunnyside Mennonite Church and attended Mobile Mennonite Church while living in Alabama. Her ministries included service through hospitality in hosting many friends and family gatherings in her home. Mary enjoyed teaching Sunday school and Bible school in both communities. In recent years Mary was diligent in grading bible correspondence courses for Iowa Medical and Classification Center residents. Mary shared her talent and love for sewing in serving the ladies sewing circles and sewing for enjoyment. Her interest in landscaping and beautiful flowers has been a lifelong passion. Mary was called to her eternal home with the Lord on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at her home in Kalona, at the age of 84 years.

Mary is survived by her 5 children- Norman Swantz and wife Sandy of Kalona; Nelda Summers and husband Chris of Atmore, Al; Gloria Hochstedler and husband Darwin; Junell Duwa and husband Dwight; Lorna Yoder and husband Clair all from the Kalona area; 12 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren; 2 sisters - Clara Miller of Cuba, MO; Esther Yoder and husband Jacob of Kalona; and a brother Ray Gingerich and wife Wilma of Harrisonburg, VA. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Lewis; her parents; an infant brother; a son-in-law; and an infant grandson.


The children of Mary Swantz would like to thank the many friends who continually visited Mary and brought her lots of flowers, which she cherished. They also have an abundance of appreciation for Emily Miller, Norma Mast, and Sarah Borntrager, who provided in-home care for Mary, allowing her to remain at home. Everyone's love and prayers will always be remembered.


Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the Sunnyside Mennonite Church in Kalona. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-8 PM on Friday at the Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona where the family will greet friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A memorial fund has been established for Sunnyside Mennonite Church and Hospice of Washington County.