NORTH MANCHESTER - Mildred E. Swihart, 92, of Shipshewana, died at 8:26 p.m. March 3, 2010, in her residence.
She was born Feb. 4, 1918, in Kosciusko County, to Marshall and Rena Metzger Beigh. On Sept. 14, 1940, she married Wayne E. Swihart, who survives.
She taught elementary pupils in Porter County for 28 years, and retired from Valparaiso Community Schools in 1986. She was a member of West Eel River Church of the Brethren, Silver Lake. She graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1936, did undergraduate studies at Manchester College and Valparaiso University with bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in liberal studies, and specialist degree in reading. She served the following with her husband, Wayne, student pastor Congregational Christian, Ohio; Burlington Brethren, TIOSA and Mexico Brethren; Milford Brethren; Muncie Brethren; and Mishawaka Brethren, retiring in 1986. She began church service as pianist at West Eel River Church of the Brethren. She was a member of Porter Co. Retired Teacher's Association and State of Indiana Retired Teacher's Association.
Surviving are two sons, Thomas (and spouse Sharon) Swihart, Valparaiso, and David Swihart, Leesburg; two daughters, Ann (and spouse Jack) Swihart Butts, Naples, Fla., and Nancy (and spouse Martin) Swihart McClintock, St. Louis, Mo.; two sisters, Ines Tracy, North Manchester, and Marcile (and spouse Gene) Ranstead, Wabash; and 11 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.
Services will be at 11 a.m. March 13 at McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, with the Rev. Paul Tickel officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake.
Calling is one hour prior to the service March 13 at the funeral home.
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Memorials to West Eel River Church of the Brethren, 799 W. Ind. 14, Silver Lake, IN 46982; or the Alzheimer's Association, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
