Martha Swearingen

Martha Swearingen, 78, of Richland, died Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at the Keota Health Care Center in Keota. She was born December 9, 1942, in rural Keokuk County, Iowa, the daughter of Cecil “Pete” and Eva Grade Echelberry. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class in 1960. Making her the first valedictorian at Pekin High School as the class of 1960 was the first graduating class. Following graduation, she continued her education at the State College of Iowa (now UNI) and earned her teaching degree. On October 13, 1962, she was united in marriage to Lynn Swearingen. To this union two sons were born Brent and Todd. Lynn died on September 11, 2021. Following their marriage Martha taught science at Sigourney High School. When her boys were young, she made the decision to leave her teaching job to focus on raising her children. She did help the school by substitute teaching on a part-time basis. Once her boys were grown, she took a job as the Director of the Washington Minibus Service. She was instrumental in the “Avenue of the Saint’s” becoming a four-lane highway. Martha later rejoined the teaching profession and took a teaching position at Deep River and Millersburg. In addition to teaching, she coached junior high basketball. She ended up teaching in Newton until her retirement. In addition to her teaching career, she started a wedding dress business that she operated on weekends and summers for nearly 8 years. Martha and Lynn enjoyed many trips to Ohio to attend Cambridge Glass Conferences. They looked forward to seeing old friends and making new friends on every trip. Above all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Her family includes two sons and their wives, Brent and Brenda Swearingen of Fremont and Todd and Michelle Swearingen of Hedrick; five grandchildren, Caylee, Hunter, McKenna, Lexi, and Teagan Swearingen; two sisters, Virginia Ball of Arlington, Virginia and Patricia Simmons of Fairfield; a brother, Stanley (Barbara) Echelberry of Hedrick; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Lynn, Martha was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Francis Echelberry; and a sister, Carma Bollinger. A memorial service will be held Monday, October 18, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. in the Fremont Funeral Chapel with Pastor Phil Hamilton officiating. The family will continue to celebrate Martha’s life and share stories at the Fremont Community Building in Fremont following the memorial service. As was Martha’s wish her body has been cremated. The Fremont Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Richland Public Library.

Martha Swearingen

December 9, 1942 - October 12, 2021

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Martha Swearingen

December 9, 1942 - October 12, 2021

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support