Stella Ruth Swisher

STELLA R. SWISHER STAUNTON, VA Stella Ruth (Wagner) Swisher, 87, widow of Jacob Leonard Swisher, of Staunton, died Thursday, March 20, 2014, at King's Daughters' Community Health and Rehab Center. She was born on July 9, 1926, in Middlebrook, a daughter of the late James Earl Wagner, Sr. and Elizabeth Marguerite (Benson) Wagner Strickler. Prior to retirement, she was employed by Genesco L. Grief with 29 years of service. Mrs. Swisher was a member of Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, Joy Circle, and Hi Nooners. Stella enjoyed being with family, cooking, and church activities. Family members include two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda Swisher Simmons and husband, Graham Simmons and Carrie Swisher Hiveley and husband, Paul Hiveley; three grandchildren, John N. "J.J." Jackson, III and fiancée, Jennifer Hicks, Tiffany Rae Wheeler, and Alan Deray Wheeler and wife, Eldry; three great grandchildren, Raegan Mackenzie Berry, Jacob Allen Gilmer, and Madison Amanda Mae Wheeler; five step-grandchildren; eight step-great grandchildren; a sister, Frances Mae Wagner Wheeler; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Swisher Summers of Waynesboro; two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law, Eugene Swisher of Lexington and Hugh and Nancy Swisher of Staunton; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband of 53 years, she was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Wagner Sutherland; a brother, James Earl Wagner, Jr.; her step-mother, Sallie Shifflett Wagner; and her step-father, Carl J. Strickler. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2014, in Springhill Presbyterian Church by the Revs. Charles A. McFarlin and Marshall Braylo. Burial will be private in Augusta Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church. Memorials may be made to the Compassion Committee of Springhill Presbyterian Church, 4141 Spring Hill Road, Staunton, VA 24401. Henry Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.