Velma Swartzendruber, 89, of Hesston, Kansas passed away of
natural causes on Monday, February 14, 2022 at the Schowalter Villa.
Velma was born in Newton, Kansas on June 21, 1932 to Reuben
and Helen (Vogt) Ewy. She met Gene Swartzendruber at Hesston Academy (now
Hesston College) and the couple was married there on October 26, 1950. They
lived in the Hesston area all of their married life. Three children were born
to them: Sharon Joy in 1951, Stanley Gene in 1953 and Mafra Jane in 1961.
Beauty, creativity, music and the arts were all important to
Velma and those values were reflected in her life in many ways. She was a
stylish lady in her fashion choices and decorating style. Through her gift of
music, she contributed much to the community and church. For many years she was
an organist at Whitestone Mennonite church. She enjoyed participating in
various choirs and ensembles and also passed on the love of music to all her children.
Her creativity was also evident in her love of plants and gardening. Velma was
a private person and like all of us she experienced difficulties in life. Th
Velma was a private person and like all of us she
experienced difficulties in life. Th example of holding onto Jesus even in the
midst of hard times is one of the greatest legacies that she has given her
family.
Surviving are their three children, Sharon (Carl) Weaver of
Hesston, Stanley (Sharon) Swartzendruber also of Hesston, and Mafra (Rene) Maust
of Goshen, Indiana. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and nine
great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her husband, Gene, and her only
sibling, Earl Ewy. The timing of Gene?s death, along with Covid restrictions,
prohibited a memorial service for Gene.
A service of remembrance for both Gene and Velma will be
held at Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston on Sunday, February 20, 2022.
Visitation will be at 3:00 pm, and the service will follow at 4:00 pm. Memorial
gifts given in Velma?s memory will be directed to Hesston College and may be
Memorial gifts given in Velma?s memory will be directed to
Hesston College and may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton,
Kansas: 120 E. Broadway St, Newton, KS 67114.
Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton, Ks.
