Obituary of Mabel W. Swanger

Mabel W. Swanger, 86, of Mennonite Home, Lancaster, PA, formerly of Elizabethtown, PA, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday morning, October 17, 2013 at Bob Fryer and Family Inpatient Center of Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy, PA. Born and raised on the family farm in Mount Joy Twp., Lancaster County, PA, she was the daughter of the late Jonas H. and Elsie Greiner Whisler. She was the wife of the late Ray N. Swanger for 54 years prior to his passing in 2002. A homemaker, Mabel was a faithful member of Elizabethtown Mennonite Church where she participated in the 60 Plus Fellowship and sewing circle. She also helped with the Mothers and Others ministry. She provided cleaning services to families in the community for 38 years and was a child care giver for over 14 years. In addition to gardening and solving word search puzzles, she enjoyed cooking delicious meals and sharing them with others. She is survived by two children, Paul A., husband of Linda F. Gall Swanger, of Bainbridge, PA and Rachel M., wife of David C. Myers, of Elizabethtown; three grandsons, Gerald, husband of Shanna Swanger, Duane, husband of Stacey Swanger, and Benjamin Myers; and a sister, Ruth Gamber of Lititz, PA. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, James S. Swanger, and three siblings, Nora Zeager, Suie Whisler, and Amos Whisler. A funeral service will be held on Monday morning, October 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Elizabethtown Mennonite Church, 300 South Spruce Street, Elizabethtown, PA with Pastors Conrad Kanagy and Richard Frank officiating. Interment will follow in the Elizabethtown Mennonite Cemetery. The family will receive guests at the church on Sunday evening from 6-8:00 PM and on Monday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The family requests that flowers please be omitted. If desired, contributions may be made to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. A webcast of the service will be available beginning the day following the service at www.spencefuneralservices.com.