Betty (Nahm) Swineford

Betty Swineford was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  She peacefully left this life on June 20, 2021 at the age of 86.

Betty was born to Albina Caroline (Sterna) and Emmanuel Herman Ladrach on June 22, 1934.  After graduating from Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst, Ohio, Betty married Richard E. Swineford on August 22, 1953.  Together, they had three children: Sally, Catherine, and Richard A., and lived in Wakeman, Ohio until 1984. 

While in Wakeman, Betty supported Richard’s longing for a farmer’s life and at various times they raised cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, a runaway pony, an orphaned skunk, aptly named “Stinky,” and their beloved “Rascal.” At a time when fewer women were in the workforce, Betty, with her gift of the gab, found success in a career with Avon Products in sales and management.   

In 1984, Betty and Richard relocated to the White Homestead in Ashland County established by Richard’s great-grandparents.  They joined St. Edward’s Catholic Church where Betty sang in the choir and they attended bible study classes where they enjoyed making friends.  Betty retired from Ashland City schools.  She and Richard grew strawberries, and Betty enjoyed painting classes, the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, and volunteering at Samaritan Hospital.  

Betty loved movies with happy endings, family reunions, and inspirational quotes which she frequently taped to her bathroom mirror. She and Richard enjoyed camping and traveling with family and friends. Some of their more memorable trips include a road trip to the Smoky Mountains with their family of five packed in a VW Beetle, cross-country trips with The Kalivodas, and vacations along the South Carolina coast near their daughters.  Never ones to miss Mass, Betty and Richard were known to crash a few wedding masses in order to meet their Sunday obligation while on vacation. 

Betty is survived by her children Sally Swineford (Sid Hood) of Georgetown, SC, Catherine Boette of Columbia, SC, and Richard A. Swineford (Pam) of Nova; grandchildren Richelle Swineford (Lee Johnson) of Medina, Samantha Nealon (Scott) of Hudson, and William Boette of Columbia, SC; brother Alfred Nahm (Barbara) of Avon Lake; and sister, Patricia Blakley of Cleveland.

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard, her parents, her adoptive father, Alfred Nahm, and her sister and brother-in-law Florence and Pete Jasinski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Ashland on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Rodney Kreidler presiding.  The family will hold visitation at the church prior to the service beginning at 10.00 A.M. Burial will follow at Imhoff Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Edward’s Church 501 Cottage St. Ashland, Ohio 44805 or Ohio Health Hospice 335 Glessner Ave. Mansfield, Ohio 44906.

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