Arlene Swarts

6/15/1925 – 5/31/2013
Arlene Mae Swarts, age 87, of Greenville, passed away on Friday, May 31st at the Spectrum Health United Memorial Rehab & Nursing Center. She was born on June 15, 1925 in Crystal, the daughter of Clyde & Effie (Smith) Grinnell.
On November 14, 1942, she was married to Wayne “W.K.” Swarts and he preceded her in death on June 7, 1994. Also preceding her were her parents, ten siblings, a granddaughter, Cassandra Blauer-Balint and a great grandson, Kendrell Damarris.
Surviving are her children, Wayne & Judy Swarts of Sheridan, David & Diana Swarts of Stanton, Marie Swarts of Greenville, Cathy & Michael Blauer of LeHigh Acres, Florida and Daniel L. Swarts of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky plus 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Mrs. Swarts has been a longtime resident of Greenville; she attended the Faith Baptist Church in Greenville, was a member of both the Greenville Area Senior Center and the VFW Post 5065 Ladies Auxiliary, formerly taught ceramics and with her husband owned and operated a charter fishing boat. She and her late husband made many friends traveling in their motor home throughout the country.
Funeral services beginning at 11:00 AM will be held at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 with Pastor Robert Winter officiating. Interment will be at the West Montcalm Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM where the family will meet with friends and relatives.
On 6/1/2013 Colleen Grinnell Smith said:
There are so many memories for this special Aunt. We shared the same birthday for 56 years. I will miss that this year. You will be truly missed. Wished I could have been there. Love to all.
On 6/2/2013 Laurie Hickman said:
I have fond memories of going to Turk Lake to visit Aunt Arlene. I loved playing in the water, going for boat rides, and having awesome food to eat. A few years back when grandma(Retha) was in the nursing home I remember how Aunt Arlene and I sat by her beside singing to her and reading the bible. Aunt Arlene took me to her home and fed me, let me get a nights sleep and we comforted each other. I have not seen Aunt Arlene for a number of years but my memories of her will always be in my heart. I cannot come to the funeral because I have to stay close to home to care for my mom but my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Laurie and Shirley Hickman
On 6/3/2013 Nephew, Richard Smiley, wife, Wanetta said:
Out condolences, love and prayers go out to all of her family. We have so many memories(all very fond) of our times spent with aunt Arlene and her family. Know that we are with you in thought and prayer at this time.