Martha Swathwood

Martha P. Swathwood, 99, of Elkhart, passed away at her home on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at 9:00 am.

She was born Jan. 17, 1919 in Elkhart to the late Raymond E. and Daisy V. (Waldrof) Saunders.  In December of 1938 she married Ellsworth J. Swathwood, who passed away in 1972.

Surviving is her son James (Sue) Swathwood; grandchildren Lisa (Alan) Kowalewski, Lori (Steve) Beggs, Leslie (Mark) Zoroya, Alysa (Andy) Snell and Adam Riddle; great grandchildren Liz Kime, Austin Beggs, Collin (Courtney) Hobson, Kelsey ( fiancée Patrick Konecny) Hobson, Nick (Ashley) Zoroya, Jillian Zoroya, Landon Snell and Breanna Riddle; and great- great grandchildren Jaxson, Stella, Riley, Taitum, Sawyer, Carter, and Cooper.  She is preceded in death by a sister, Melba Stoll and brothers Raymond and Thomas Saunders.

In accordance with her wishes, Martha’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 11:00 am on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 30888 CR 6 (Cleveland Road), Elkhart. A time of a fellowship gathering will be held at the church from 10:30am – 11:00am with the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am at the church with Reverend Ted Stanley who will preside over the service.  Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the family with the arrangements. A private burial will be held at a later date at Rice Cemetery Mausoleum.

Martha retired from Taylor Products of Elkhart after 45 years, then continued to work another 20 years in home healthcare and at Hubbard Hill. She was a 1937 graduate of

Elkhart High School and belonged to the Elkhart Women of the Moose #599 and Elkhart Elks #425. She and her husband sponsored several softball teams and were very active with their son’s softball and basketball teams, and often hosted cookouts and pool parties for the teams and their families. She also enjoyed dancing at the Moose, gardening and her beautiful flowers. She loved all animals, especially her beloved dogs and cats.

Martha’s family was the center of her life, her humor, laughter, loving and caring ways were an inspiration to all. Her humorous sayings and stories will forever be cherished.  Her strength, determination and hard work were respected and admired by all who knew her. Martha loved her family so much and she will be dearly missed but forever in all their hearts. The family would also like to thank the Center for Hospice for the compassionate care.

Memorial donations may be given to the Humane Society Pet Refuge of Elkhart County, United Cancer Services of Elkhart County or to the Hospice Foundation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Swathwood, please visit our floral store.