Ruth Elaine Sweval came home on March 15 to spend her final days looking out at her backyard and the Chestnut Tree she loved so dearly. She passed peacefully on March 25 with family and friends around her. Born July 20, 1931 in Lucas, she was the daughter of Byard and Rhea (Swisher) Jones. Ruth was an only child, raised on a farm, and her hero was Helen Keller.
She was probably most known through her 20+ years of work at First English Lutheran Church and activity at Linden Road Presbyterian. Ruth worked at the Mansfield Courthouse in the Recorders Office until she got married in January 1953 and started her family. In the 1960’s, Ruth worked for the Madison School System.
A true matriarch, Ruth was a real force in her family. “Can’t” was considered a four letter word in her home. She always saw the best in even the worst of circumstances. Ruth was active in the PEO, The Mansfield Garden Club, and was a Renaissance Theatre board member and volunteer.
Surviving are her sons, Greg Sweval of Napa, CA, Mark (Sandy) Sweval of West LaFayette, IN, and Brad (Linda) Sweval of Mansfield; grandchildren, Greyson Sweval, Kaite Sweval, Lindsey (Colin) Leonard, Jevin Sweval, and Croix Sweval; great-grandchildren, Jack and Emerson; beloved pet, Joey; close friend, Bev Fasic; and caregiver and special friend, Michelle Brubaker.
Along with her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Odell Sweval, who passed away in 1979.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday, March 29, 2015 from 2-5 p.m. at the Linden Road Presbyterian Church, 160 Linden Road, Mansfield, OH 44906. A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held Monday, March 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the church, conducted by Pastor Tom Roepke. Burial will take place in Mt. Zion Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Linden Road Presbyterian Church. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family of Ruth Elaine Sweval.
Words of comfort may be left at www.wappner.com
