Mary Louise Swank, 81 years old of La Porte, IN, died Sunday, November 27, 2011 in Goshen, Indiana at the home of her son; David.
She was born on June 21, 1930 in Waterford, Indiana, daughter of the late Emanuel and Rose (McCormick) Gorden.
She married on July 3, 1949 in Michigan City, Indiana to Robert "Bob" Swank who preceded her in death April 11, 2010.
She taught Elementary School for many years at Rolling Prairie, La Porte and Michigan City School Systems. Served on the mission field with her husband in Africa from 1955-1957 and took several short term mission trips to India. She was active in Blossoming Rose during the 1990's - early 2000's. It started operations in 1983 and was incorporated in 1987 as a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Their main focus has been humanitarian projects in Israel and educational travel opportunities to the Middle East.
Surviving are 3 Sons; Rodney (Leona) Swank of St. Louis, MO., Curt (Kim) Swank of Wisconsin, and Dave Swank of Goshen, IN. 8 Grandchildren; Jenn (Henry) Shuffle, Josh Swank, Johannah Swank, Atlanta Swank, Alexandra Swank, Tiffany Kinter, Barry (Keunae) Kinter, and Amber (Matt) Ballard, 2 Gt. Grandsons; Jackson Ballard and Gilead Shuffle, 1 Gt. Granddaughter: Isabell Ballard, 1 sister; Karen Calderone of Denver, CO.
She was preceded in death by a sister; Jean Ulrey and her parents.
There will be a time of visitation with the family from 4:00-7:00 PM CST on Friday Dec. 2, 2011 at Cutler Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10:00 AM CST. Saturday with Rev. DeWayne Coxon officiating. Interment will follow in the Bremen Cemetery, Bremen, Indiana.
Contributions may be made to the COR International, P.O. Box 4361, Chesterfield, MO 63006.
Please sign the online register book at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com