Geraldine Swigart Witchey of Mansfield, born Aug. 12, 1922, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband Army Air Corp Pilot Leslie E. Witchey in 1963, her parents Charles and Flossie Swigart of Lexington and brothers Norman, Lowell, and Robert Swigart. She graduated from Lexington High School as co-valedictorian.
Gerry loved God’s beautiful creation, especially feeding and listening to the songbirds, walking trails, and with her memberships in the Gorman Nature Center and the Nature Preservation League. A loving mother and homemaker, she was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for her daughters’ troops, was Neighborhood Chairman of 16 local troops, and served on the Training Committee of Heritage Trails Girl Scout Council. She was active in the Lexington PTA and Lexington Child Study Club. As a member of the Lexington Church of Christ, she was a Sunday school primary superintendent and teacher. Later with her husband, she co-directed the youth group.
For years she was an active member of the Women’s Club and also enjoyed playing bridge in several different clubs. Gerry valued her affiliation and the many friendships through the Officers’ Wives Club in the 179th Airlift Wing, the Terra Bona Club, and numerous golf and bowling leagues. In recent years, she attended Berean Baptist Church where she was a greeter.
She is survived by her daughter and husband, Janice and John Eitelgeorge of Bokeelia, FL, and daughter Sally Witchey Ashbaugh of Ashland; grandchildren Derrick Eitelgeorge, Leslie Eitelgeorge Drexel, and Matthew Ashbaugh; great grandchildren Kristen and Lauren Drexel and Miles and Everett Ashbaugh.
A funeral service giving glory to God for the life of Geraldine L. “Gerry” Witchey will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at noon, in the chapel of Berean Baptist Church, 2145 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield where the family will receive friends from 10 am – noon. Steve McElhatten and Pastor Craig Hamm will officiate.
Memorial contributions in Gerry’s memory may be made to, Berean Baptist Church (2145 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield, Ohio 44904). Contributions will benefit the Dare to Serve Youth Ministry.
Online condolences to the family may be made by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
