Swartzendruber.-Mary (Shettler) Swartzendruber was born in Allegheny Co., Md., June 5, 1837; died of old age at her home in Johnson Co., Ia., Sept. 20, 1921; aged 84 y. 3 m. 15 d. In the spring of 1849 she emigrated with her parents from Fairfield Co., Ohio, to the farm now occupied by J. L. Hershberger. She has seen these broad prairies then an unoccupied wilderness develop into a thickly populated country. She has experienced many of the hardships of pioneer life. In her youth she consecrated her life to God, became a loving member of the A. M. Church, and remained faithful to the end. She spent her last 17 months as an invalid in bed. She bore her sufferings patiently, always with a cheerful disposition and looking forward with joy to the time when she might be relieved from the cares and sufferings of this life and be ushered over into the glorious liberties of the children of God. In Oct., 1855, she was joined in marriage to George Swartzendruber who preceded her to the glory world 17 years ago. She leaves 3 sons and 4 daughters (Lydia, Helena, Jacob, Lovina, John, Joseph, and Katie), 66 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters and 3 brothers, the oldest being past 85 and the youngest 63 years of age. So may we all be benefited by her exemplifying principles that when the grim reaper of death raps at our door by God's grace we may again meet in the glory world beyond."All is over, hands are folded,O'er a quiet and peaceful breast,All is over, pain is ended,Now dear Mother is at rest."Funeral services were conducted at the Upper Deer Creek Church Sept. 22 by J. Y. Swartzendruber and David D. Miller. Text, Psa. 8:4.
Source: Gospel Herald - Volume XIV, Number 27 - October 6, 1921 - p. 527