Virginia Swartz

Virginia D. Swartz, 86, of Shippensburg, departed this life on the morning of Friday, October 27, 2023, at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital.

She was born in Mooredale, Cumberland County, PA, on August 9, 1937, a daughter of the late Paul and Emma Catherine (Zeigler) Dellinger. Virginia was a 1955 graduate of Gettysburg High School. She married Kenneth H. Swartz on November 24, 1957, in Hunterstown, PA.

Virginia farmed with her husband and was a homemaker throughout her life. She was fond of the Jersey breed of cattle and later in life, the Angus breed. At one time, Virginia was a member of American Jersey Cattle Association and had won several awards attesting to the quality of their herd’s milk. In younger years, she encouraged her children to be active and participate within the local 4-H program. Although she loved the farm and animals, Virginia was known to say that the house wasn’t big enough for her and the cats. Exceptions were made when the grandchildren wanted to bring a kitty into the house! She was a former member of the Middle Spring Presbyterian Church and was currently affiliated with the Shippensburg Independent Baptist Church.

Virginia liked to garden and was known for her love of growing roses. She also enjoyed birdwatching from the “blue room” at her house. Virginia had a fascination with vintage china and had quite an extensive collection of the LuRay china. Spending time with her family was very important to her. There were “junk food days” with hot dogs and oreos and many cherished memories were made decorating the Christmas tree with her grandchildren and great grandchildren after Thanksgiving. Also, celebrating Christmas Eve with the entire family in attendance was a very important time and was very special to her.

In addition to her husband of sixty-six years, Kenneth, she is survived by five children, Kenneth P. Swartz of Shippensburg, Kathy Swartz Hock and husband Douglas of Shippensburg, Timothy A. Swartz and wife Dawn of Mechanicsburg, Loriann Swartz Hock and husband Randall of Carlisle, and Tamela Swartz Fogal and husband Robert of Shippensburg; ten grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren (plus one on the way); five siblings, Betty Rhodes, Ronald Dellinger, Vivian Knox, Beverly Walker, and Dolores Welker; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by a grandson, Aaron Hock; a great grandson, Noah Swartz; and six siblings, Violet Warrenfeltz, Brunetta Sibert, Esther Walker, Paul Dellinger, Jr., Robert Dellinger, and Gerald Dellinger.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Shippensburg Independent Baptist Church. Pastor Kenneth Waggoner will officiate. Interment will follow in the Middle Spring Cemetery. Viewing will be Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg, and one hour prior to the service Saturday morning at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or at stjude.org.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.