Dorothy L. Swogger, Margaret Street, Masury, passed away peacefully at 7:20 p.m. Saturday, July 14, 2012, at her residence following a lengthy illness. She was 80.
'Dot' was born Feb. 12, 1932, in Bar Slope, Indiana County, Pa., the daughter of Sanford and Helen Brady Over.
A lifelong area resident, she graduated from Sharon High School in 1950.
Dorothy worked for 22 years as an office manager at the former Swogger Auto Parts, a family business she and her husband owned and operated from 1971 to 1993 in Hermitage.
Mrs. Swogger was a member of First Baptist Church, Sharon, where she sang in the choir and served on the Diaconate Board. She also volunteered for the church with West Hill Ministries and helped with church dinners and funeral luncheons. She loved her church and church family, and they were a huge part of her life.
Her hobbies included tending to her flowers, and doing crafts, which she lovingly shared with her family and friends. Dorothy found her greatest joy when surrounded by her family, and she also loved her dog, Shadow, who was her faithful friend and companion. Her 'Love you more!' greeting will be remembered with a smile by all who knew her.
She is survived at home by her husband of 58 years, George U. Swogger, whom she married on Jan. 23, 1954.
Mrs. Swogger also leaves her three daughters: Rev. Cindy R. Swogger, Masury; Jane A. Besser, Girard, Ohio; and Tammy F. Swogger, at home; four grandchildren: Lenisa Scutillo Carroll, Ted Swogger, Tom Besser and Rachael Swogger; two greatgrandchildren, Haylee Carroll and Royal McConahy; her husband's brothers and sisters, whom she considered her family: Art Swogger, Orangeville; Betty Felicetty, Oscar Jr. and Judie Swogger, Richard and Bessie Horvath, Nancy Benak, Carl and Ada Swogger, Georgianna and John Shingledecker, and Rick and Bonnie Swogger, all Masury; Buster and Mary Swogger, Akron, Ohio; Shirley and Jim Wittenauer and Jeff and Andrea Swogger, all Vienna; Rev. Gary and Beverly Swogger, Medina, Ohio; Karen and John Boyer and Gail and Jim Longwell, all Burghill; Carol Mathey, Henderson, Nev.; and Dolly and Steve Devito, Brookfield; and a host of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and greatnephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, George E. 'Skip' Swogger; and her brother, Marvin G. Over.
In lieu of flowers, her family suggests anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in her memory to please consider one of the following: West Hill Ministries, PO Box 635, Sharon, PA 16146, or Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.
Calling hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (7-17-12) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may e-mail condolences to her family by visiting the website: McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.
Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday (7-18-12) in First Baptist Church, 301 W. State St., Sharon, with the Rev. John M. Trojak, pastor of the church, and Mrs. Swogger's daughter, the Rev. Cindy R. Swogger, associate pastor, co-officiating. The family would like everyone to go directly to the church the morning of the funeral.
Interment: Brookfield Township Cemetery.