Ethel M. Swonigan

Ethel M. Swonigan, age 89, of Beavercreek, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2015. She was born April 1, 1926 in Carbondale, Illinois.

Ethel touched the lives of many people. She was a devoted wife and mother, and served as a mentor, friend, teacher, community activist, and loving family member. She retired from both the Wisconsin school system, as well as Xenia City Schools. She was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church in Beavercreek, Ohio. Ethel was a proud lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a member of the Springfield (OH) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Della Matthews; son, Howard Timothy Swonigan; siblings, Lillian C. Scruggs, Robbie Wright, Anita Denwood, and Artelia Matthews.

Ethel is survived by her loving husband Howard; daughters, A. Darnecea Moultrie, Yvonne (Percy) Drake, Regina F. Smith, and Tami Swonigan; sons, James Allen (Theresa) Smith Jr., and Mark A. Swonigan; brothers, Francis Homer (Joyce) Matthews, Cleveland (Christine) Matthews, and Roy Matthews; sisters, Geraldine Chappell, Barbara Gleghorn, and Elrena White. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 20 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Newcomer Funeral Home Beavercreek Chapel, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, Ohio 45432. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Saint Luke Catholic Church, 1440 N. Fairfield RD, Beavercreek, OH 45432. Burial will follow at Valley View Memorial Gardens.