Florence M. Swann

Florence M. Swann, age 90, of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, November 2, 2014 at her residence. She was born April 19, 1924 in Henry County the daughter of the late Casher and Mabel (Frogge) Smith.

Florence was a life long resident of Henry County, and a 1942 graduate of Mt. Summit High School. She married James W. Swann in 1945; who preceded her in death in 1987. She retired from Dana Corporation after 30 years of service. She was a member of Beta Sigma Pi for over 50 years, serving as president and other offices. She was very active in the Lady Elks Club filling different offices. Florence received the Lady Elk of the year in 1990. She was also a member of the Eagles, Moose and other local groups. She was a member of Mt. Summit Christian Church for over 60 years and more recently attended the United Methodist Church in New Castle. She cared deeply for her family and many close friends hosting family dinners and get togethers for friends. Florence was an avid reader, she also enjoyed gardening and travel.

Survivors include her son, Steven D. (Kay) Swann of Cary, NC; daughter, Patricia Bennett of Muncie; granddaughters, Ashley Peavler Madden of Indianapolis, Amber Bennett Baker of Noblesville, Kate Swann, Kari Swann (Mitch) Kouba both of Cary, NC, Kristen Swann (Alex) Podger of Apex, NC; great grandchildren, Jessica A. Baker and Abram J. Baker, Drake J. Madden, Casher D. Kouba and Redding J. Kouba; oldest of nine children, she is survived by sisters, Florene McCormack of Anderson, Fannie Beall and Ruth (Darrell) Burd of New Castle, Irene Rehbein of Phoenix, AZ, Shirley (Joe) Owen of Daleville, IN, Mary (Norman) Shaw of Lynchburg, VA; brother, James Robert (Judy) Smith of Yorktown; sister-in-law, Mary Smith of Middletown and more that 30 nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Swann; a brother, Charles M. Smith of Middletown; brothers-in-law, Albert Moore, Norman Beall and Arthur “Bud” Rehbein.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 7, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in New Castle with Pastors Mark O’Brien and Tom McGilliard officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday, November 6, 2014 from 4-8 p.m. at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231. Condolences and memories of Florence may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .