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Viola Jean Swartz

Viola Jean Swartz, 88, of Widnoon, PA, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at St. Andrew's Village in Indiana, PA.

She was born January 5, 1937 in Rimersburg, PA, the daughter of Elmer Simon Rush and Ellen (Craig) Pago.

Jean married John W. Swartz on May 1, 1954 and was a resident of Templeton for over 40 years. She was a member of New Athens Church of God of Prophecy where she taught Sunday school and helped with funeral dinners. Jean dedicated her life to caring for her family and also worked cleaning houses. Having a heart for children, Jean and John fostered 54 children in their home throughout their lives. She worked with the Armstrong County Foster Care Association, serving on the advisory board for children and youth. In her free time, she enjoyed camping and following Steelers football and Nascar. Those who knew Jean will remember her as a "talker" who loved visiting with others, and they will never forget her caring and compassionate nature.

Her memory will be cherished by her son, John Joseph "Joe" Swartz and wife Shelly; of Saxonburg; daughters, Barb Crissman and husband Keith, of Templeton, Terry Roxanne Good, of Smicksburg, PA, and Lisa Moorhead and husband Rex of Ford City; son-in-law Rick Crissman, of Templeton; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Viola is also survived by her sister, Nancy Rush and late fiancé Terry of Rural Valley; half-brother, James "Butch" Rush and wife Chris; half-sister, Patty Speck and husband Donnie all of Battle Creek, MI; and sister-in-law, Veola Rush of Niles, MI.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John W. Swartz; daughters, Michelle Lynn Swartz and Belinda Crissman; step-father, Joseph Frank Pago; grandson, Hadden Swartz; great-great-grandchild, Gunner John Patterson; brother, Walter Rush; sister, Shirley Rush; son-in-law, Larry Good; and her beloved dog, Chico.

Friends and family will be received from 11 AM until the time of memorial services at 1 PM on Monday, June 30, 2025 at the Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 515 N. McKean St., Kittanning with Rev. Craig Lindahl officiating.

Jean's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Andrew's for their wonderful care, especially her nurses, Colleen, Lori, and Julie, Chaplain Lori, and her very special caregiver Boo, whom she loved dearly.

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