OBITUARY: Phyllis V. ‘Vel’ Swarts

Phyllis V. “Vel” Swarts, 80, died Dec. 2, 2021, at Paramount Health and Rehab in Newton.

She was born March 29, 1941, in Florence to Ira R. and Margaret L. (Collins) Kelsheimer. She attended Florence schools and was retired as a cafeteria food service worker at the St. Mary School Cafeteria, where she cared for many children through the years.

She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and enjoyed her ’70s music. Phyllis was affectionately known as “Mom Swarts” to her children’s friends as they were growing up. Family was a priority to her, and she greatly enjoyed cooking and baking with her grandkids and sharing her love of sweets. She always enjoyed a good cup of coffee and conversation. A special memory her grandkids have is G-Ma having gum for them.

She also enjoyed old TV shows, especially “Andy Griffith,” and the movies “Gone with the Wind” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” were close to her heart.

Phyllis is survived by her sons, Lynn (Beth) Swarts Jr; Laron (Cindy) Swarts and Gregory (Molly) Swarts; daughter, Lori (Tom) Bedlington; one brother, David (Laurie) Kelsheimer; and two sisters, Cheryl (Lowell) Miller and Regina (Bob) Cornelius. She also is survived by 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Gary Lee Swarts; granddaughter, Amber Dawn Swarts; and brothers, Ron Kelsheimer and Dennis Kelsheimer.

Graveside committal service was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Florence. Visitation was 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Fresenius Dialysis Center in care of Petersen Funeral Home.

 

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