Thursday, September 15th, 2016
Virginia Swaney
Virginia "Jean" Swaney, age 86, of Celina, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.
Born December 1, 1929 in Celina, she was a daughter of the late George Vinton Meyer and Harriet (Teeters) Meyer. Jean married Charles William Swaney in October of 1951, and he preceded her in death on January 27, 1998.
Surviving are their children: Bob (Peggy) Swaney, Dick (Jodie) Swaney and Becky (Dennis) Steinbrunner, all of Celina, Ron (Cindy) Swaney of Sidney, Rae Swaney-Smith of Celina, and Avalyn Swaney of Florida, thirteen grandchildren: Josh Swaney, Jeremy Steinbrunner, Bret Swaney, Jennifer Contreras, Brooke Wellman, Erica Swaney, Job Swaney, Ethan Swaney, Kane Swaney, Emily Swaney, Aaron Swaney, Rachel Smith and Trevor Smith, nineteen great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Joan Meyer of Decatur, Indiana, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces & nephews.
Jean was the last surviving member of her immediate family, and also of her first cousins. She was preceded in death by all of her brothers and sisters: Freeda (Lawrence) Shinn, Gertrude (John) Tippie, Peg (Lem) King, Ada (Bill) Gray, Herbert Meyer, Lyle Meyer, a baby Sister, and a brother, Olen Meyer, who died on his 2nd Birthday.
Jean was a 1947 Graduate of Celina High School, and had worked at Reynolds & Reynolds. In 1967, after raising her family, she began working as a third shift operator at General Telephone. For 20 years, she was often the calming voice on the other end of the line, when calls for help would come in during the late night hours. Prior to the modern 911 system, in an emergency, individuals would often dial "O" for the Operator to summon help. Jean would calm their fears, and call the appropriate personnel to handle the situation.
Raised a member of the former Assembly of God Church, Jean currently was a member of Grand Lake United Methodist Church in Celina.
A vocalist, Jean often sang at church and for funeral services. An avid reader, Jean also loved to tell stories, and study genealogy. She enjoyed crocheting afghans, baby blankets, and potholders.
Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 17, at Grand Lake United Methodist Church-St. Paul's, in Celina, with Rev. Matt Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow at Zion State Line Cemetery in Washington Township.
Calling Hours are from 2:00-7:00 P.M., Friday, September 16, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, and 10-11:00 A.M. on Saturday, at the church.
Memorial Contributions may be made to State of the Heart Care.
Condolences may be expressed at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.
