Gerth Funeral Home
Memphis, MissouriGRACE OPAL SWEARINGEN
(1919-2003)Grace Opal Swearingen, 83, of Memphis, formerly of Rutledge, MO, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2003, in the Scotland County Care Center in Memphis.
The daughter of Fredrick and Laura Lee (Hogan) Rossiter, she was born on August 5, 1919, in Edina, MO. She attended rural schools in Knox County, MO.
On September 21, 1941, she was married to Jesse James Swearingen. To this union one son was born: Jerry Swearingen.
Grace lived most of her life west of Greensburg, MO, before moving to Rutledge. As a young girl, she attended the Assembly of God church in Edina, MO, with her mother. After moving to Rutledge, she attended church there and was baptized on October 9, 1977.
Grace enjoyed her flowers and gardening. She also enjoyed visiting with everyone.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Jesse Swearingen on March 22, 1960; her son, Jerry Swearingen on June 1, 1997; five brothers, Alec, Raymond, Frances, George, and Robert; and a friend of twenty-five years, Pete Owery.
Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Daisy Swearingen of Rutledge, MO; three granddaughters and their husbands: Theresa and Michael Small of Memphis, MO, Lesa and Rick Delaney of Hurdland, MO, and Cheryl and Kirk Renfrow of Memphis, MO; one sister, Mary Ellen Rossiter of Marshall, MO; two brothers, James Rossiter and wife Dorothy of Edina, MO, and Bill Rossiter and wife Linda of Cornell, IL; seven great grandchildren: Michelle, Jason and Elizabeth Small, Christina and Brad Hunt, and Jessica and Jeremy Wiggins; sisters-in-law, Millie Rossiter, Esther Swearingen, Norma Kigar, and Mildred Wilson; brothers-in-law, Dorsey (Ike) Swearingen and Henry (Rick) Swearingen; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be on Tuesday, June 24, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. in the Gerth Funeral Chapel, Memphis, MO, with Pastor Robert Wallace officiating. Visitation is from 10-8, Monday, June 23, at the Gerth Funeral Home in Memphis with the family present from 6-8 p.m. Interment is in the Memphis Cemetery, Memphis, MO. Memorials have been suggested to the charity or organization of the donor's choice and can be left at or mailed to Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main, Memphis, MO, 63555.
