Barbara E. Swander

SWANDER, Barbara E.
Of Portage
Barb passed away Wednesday evening, May 20, 2009 at her home. She was born March 15, 1938 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of George and Fannie Christie Mitchell. Barb was a lifelong area resident and for over 25 years was employed with Quality Farm & Fleet. Later she worked as a senior apartment complex manager and at Hobby Lobby. Barb was loved by all she met, but the most important part of her life was her family and spending time with them. She will be truly missed by all her family and friends. On June 18, 1955, she was united in marriage to James H. Swander, who preceded her in death on November 1, 1999. She was also preceded in death by her parents and by a son, James R. Swander. Surviving are her children, David Glenda Swander of Portage, Sharon Rodarmer of Portage, Debra Scott Taylor of Portage and Dawn Ron Fisher of Portage; 14 grandchildren, Ginger, Laurie, Todd, David Jr., Bradly, Stacy, Brandy, Travis, Heidi, Amybeth, Nickole, Christie, Eric and Scott and 27 great-grandchildren; brother and sisters, Margaret Newkirk of Mayville, Carl Joan Mitchell of Vicksburg and Louise Jack Corson of Kalamazoo; nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 3-4 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. where a service to celebrate Barb's life will be held 4:00 PM Tuesday, May 26 with Pastor John Fisher officiating. Memorials in Barb's memory may be directed to Hospice Care of SW Michigan. Please visit www.langelands.com for online guest book and for condolences to the family.