ELKHART -- Beverly Joyce Mantey, 54, of Elkhart passed away on Friday (Jan. 8, 2010) at 3:30 A.M. in Elkhart General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on January 19, 1955, in Warsaw to the late Kenneth D. and Vera (Berkey) Swihart. She married Jonathan Mantey on May 2, 1986, in Elkhart.

She leaves behind her husband of 23 years, Jonathan Mantey of Elkhart; two brothers, the Rev. Steve (Carol) Swihart of Elkhart, and Tom (Susan) Swihart of Tallahassee, Fla.; her sister Barbara Ann (Swihart) Winfrey of Clearwater, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

Beverly was a senior customer service specialist for Bayer Corp. for more than 26 years, working in both Elkhart and Mishawaka. She was a 1973 graduate of Southeast High School in Bradenton, Fla., and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1976 from Florida State University. Beverly attended Bethany Missionary Church in Elkhart, and was a member of God's Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord. She was an artist, enjoyed reading, cooking, photography, making jewelry and shopping for antiques.

Please join with her family and friends on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Bethany Missionary Church at 56295 C.R. 1, Elkhart, IN 46516, where a service to celebrate her life will begin at 5 p.m. The Rev. David Swihart and the Rev. Dr. Steve Swihart will officiate. Private burial will take place at Adamsville Cemetery, Edwardsburg, Mich. Arrangements have been entrusted to Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart, where condolences may be sent to her family by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

"Beverly enjoyed dying to herself so others could know the kingdom of God. She always put her heavenly father, her Lord Jesus Christ and mankind above herself."

Memorials may be given to Gideon's International 1304 Elkhart Road, Goshen, IN 46526.