Judy E. Swartz

Judy E. Swartz, 82, of Rebersburg (Smullton) passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on July 30, 2024, at her home in the care of her loved ones. She was born at her family home in Smullton on December 27, 1941, the daughter of the late Harry F. and Norma A. Weber Bowersox.  Judy was a 1959 graduate of Penns Valley High School.

Judy was a member of the Brush Valley New Life Church in Madisonburg where she was an enthusiastic pianist. She was a homemaker for many years while being known in the community as the “Avon Lady”, and was also employed by Valley Manufacturing in Millheim, the Elks Country Club in Boalsburg, and MuRata Erie in State College. Judy loved music and everyone who listened to her play was blessed by it. Starting to play piano at the age of 10, she has also played the accordion for many years, and recently enjoyed playing the harpsichord and ukulele.

In her spare time Judy enjoyed playing cards as well. Also known for her sewing and baking skills, she enjoyed doing so not only for family, but also for many in the community. The Amish community has been a special part of her life, as she has developed many friendships getting to know them and spending time with them. Her most valued treasure was her family and time spent with them was always special to her. Judy was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Many will remember her for her spunk, wit and humor.  She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Judy is survived by three daughters, Raelene Decker (Larry) of Rebersburg, Kimberly Domin (Bruce) of Spring Mills, and Robin Manuel (Phillip) of Blacksburg, VA; one son, Kevin Kellerman of Spring Mills; seven grandchildren Christin Decker Martz (Scott), Bethani Decker Blume (Warren), Jennifer Kellerman Kay (John), Joshua Kellerman (Danielle), Kyle and Caleb Manuel, and Sarah Baum (Nathan); and nine great-grandchildren Alexis, Keagan, Mason, Lily, Isaac, Kanton, Rylee, Kinsley, and Gracie. She is also survived by one sister, Linda Crater of Rebersburg, and three brothers Harlan Bowersox and Harold Bowersox of Rebersburg and Marlan Bowersox of Spring Mills. She also had a special friend of many years, James Manuel of VA.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Swartz, two sisters, Shirley Wolfe and Janice Stover, two brothers Eugene Bowersox and Stuart Bowersox, and a great-grandson, Cameron.

The family would like to thank all those who have supported her in many ways. Your prayers during her 8-month battle with cancer were such a blessing on her journey peacefully into the arms of Jesus.

Friends will be received from 6:00-9:00 pm on Friday, August 2, 2024, at God’s Missionary Church, 145 North Alley in Rebersburg and from 10:00-11:00 am, Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the church.  A Celebration of Judy’s Life will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Randy Muthersbaugh of Brush Valley New Life Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s memory may be made to the Brush Valley New Life Church, c/o Darla Boob – P.O. Box 4 Madisonburg, PA 16852. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judy E. Swartz, please visit our floral store.