Shirley J. Swihart, 84, of Fredericktown, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025. Born on December 23, 1940, to Dale and Dorothy Whited in Bucannon County, VA. Shirley was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her life was a testament to love, faith, and the joy of simple pleasures.
Shirley was a devoted member of the Batemantown Church, where she found solace and community throughout her life. She was also a founding member of the Heart of Ohio Emmaus Community, where her faith and kindness touched many lives. Shirley had a passion for life’s little joys—whether it was solving puzzles, baking delicious cakes and pies, or tending to her garden around the farm. She found peace in the beauty of the outdoors and took great pride in her flowers and plants.
Above all, Shirley cherished her family. She was a loving mother to her children, Rayma (Philip) Ruhl, Patsy (John Adams) Ocheltree, Stewart Brad (Kathy) Swihart, and Randolph (Jodi Judge) Swihart. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren and a doting great-grandmother to eighteen great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. Shirley’s warmth and love created a home filled with laughter, comfort, and cherished memories.
Shirley is survived by her siblings: Ruby (Darrell) Morgan, Velda (Jim) Compton, Rosemary Wallace, Loretta (Harlan) Zolman, Faye Sweeney, and Sandra (Charley) Irey.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Stewart Leroy Swihart; her parents, Dale and Dorothy Whited; her brothers, William Whitted and Leonard Whitted; and her sisters, Joyce Kissel and Lanna Wallace.
The family will hold a visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Batemantown Church, followed by a celebration of Shirley’s life at 3:00 p.m. Shirley’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Batemantown Church or the Heart of Ohio Emmaus Community in Shirley’s memory.
Shirley’s life was a beautiful tapestry of faith, family, and love. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes – Fredericktown
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com