PLYMOUTH-Edna M. Swihart, 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior at 2:34 a.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.
Edna was born on August 8, 1934 in LaPaz, Indiana, she was the daughter of Frank and Mary Ellen (Eversole) Ritenour. Edna attended LaPaz High School graduating with the class of 1952.
On June 1, 1952 at his bride's parent's home near LaPaz, Merl and Edna M. Ritenour were wed. As parents they partnered in establishing a loving home and family of three children: Merl Dean Jr., Anna and Dean. Merl Dean Jr. would pass from this life at six months of age and forever remain in their hearts.
Edna was extremely intelligent and would further her education by attending Indiana University in South Bend and receiving her Master's Degree in Elementary Education. Edna taught kindergarten for 26 years at West and Washington Elementary before retiring in 1996.
Edna and Merl traveled through 49 of the 50 states, with Anna and Dean in tow and all with the same camper, a "Wind Jammer". They experienced many things together and never passed by a County Fair or a parade that they would take in.
Family remained very important to Edna, keeping up with everything that her family was involved with. Known as an excellent cook, making food for her daughter's entire wedding reception, enough to feed 300 guests.
Edna and Merl held season tickets to Plymouth High School basketball games for many, many years and supported the Big Red althletics. Above all she loved God and was a member of Lakeville Trinity Church for many years. Edna devoted her time to the Christian Women's Connection and also as a treasurer of missions at their church.
Edna is survived by her children: Anna (Arlen) Miller of Plymouth and their son, Andrew Paul Miller, and son Dean Allen Swihart.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Merl, siblings: Andrew Ritenour, Russell Ritenour, Ruth Jackson, Kenneth Ritenour, Elmer Ritenour, Edith Hess and her daughter-in-law Jackie Walorski-Swihart.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 1-3 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will immediately follow with Pastor Steve Eckart officiating.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 1 pm in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Trinity Church-Assembly of God, P.O. Box 508, Lakeville, IN 46536.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the website: www.johnson-danielson.com<http://www.johnson-danielson.com>
