- Date Of Birth: September 7, 1915
- Date Of Death: November 8, 2012
- State: Indiana
Mary Jane Dawson Swank, 97, of Smarts burg, passed away Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health-Crawfordsville, surrounded by her family.
Mary Jane was born Sept. 7, 1915, in Montgomery County, to Harry E. and Ethel (Earl) Dawson and into a large family who remained close throughout their lives. She married Floyd W. (Bill) Swank, also of Montgomery County, on Dec. 25, 1937, and they shared 57 years together at their home in Smarts burg before Bill passed away on Sept. 3, 1994.After graduating valedictorian of her Crawfordsville High School class and before starting her family, Mary Jane worked at RR Donnelley & Sons for several years as a typesetter. The remainder of her life was spent in Smarts burg, living a full and wonderful life attending to the needs of her family and friends. Regardless of the situation, Mary Jane always displayed grace and thoughtfulness.
Mary Jane had a variety of interests that she pursued with great enthusiasm. She enjoyed sewing, canning and gardening. Crossword puzzles and reading were passions that kept her mind young. Mary Jane had a great interest in genealogy and history, and she was a long-time, active member of the Dorothy Q Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She had been serving this past year as the organization’s corresponding secretary and a member of The Elston Memorial Chapter House Board
.She also spent many hours helping to record information from all of the Montgomery County cemetery markers; the information is now archived at the Crawfordsville Public Library. Faith played a prominent role in Mary Jane’s life. She was an active member of Smarts burg Christian Church where she had attended services since she was four years old, rarely missing a Sunday in the last 93 years. She was a member of the Ladies Aid and was involved in many other aspects of service to the Church and her Christian family. Both she and Bill viewed their faith as the cornerstone of their lives.
Preceding her in death were her nine brothers and sisters: George Dawson, Dorotha Parks, Russell Dawson, Ruth Johnson, Betty Wildman, Mildred Iverson, Harry Dawson, Ruby Cline and Marjorie Randolph.
Mary Jane is survived by her two children: Judy Beecher (Art) of Greenwood, Ind., and Bryan Swank (Becky) of Columbus, Ind.; three grandchildren: Michelle Beecher Lanosga (Gerry) of Indianapolis, Ind., Matthew Beecher (Jaci) of Greenwood, Ind., and Darren Swank of Bloomington, Ind.; five great-grandchildren: Max, Cole and Miles Lanosga, and Ava and Sam Beecher. She loved spending time with family and never seemed to notice rowdiness or untidiness caused by her great-grandchildren. was known by her family and friends for her lovely notes, kind words of encouragement and generous spirit.
Mary Jane will be missed greatly by her many dear friends and by her family members who will continue to be inspired by her grace and strength. Although holiday and birthday gatherings will not be the same, the family will treasure her memory and continue on in honor of her wonderful example. Her family hopes that her many friends will do the same.
