Sandy Smith Swiger’s husband passes away

Charles Swiger, husband of Sandra Ann Smith Swiger, Class of 1955, passed away Saturday, March 4. Charlie is a Fairmont West grad.

Sandra, at Monongah High, was in the MHS band, on Student Council, in the junior and senior class plays, in the Future Teachers of America Club and an MHS office girl.

Sandy attended the Class of 1955 dinner in 2015 at the Three Ways Inn in Fairmont. My sister, Jackie Olesky Straight of Rivesville, also is in the Class of 1955.

Adam Michna, my helpmate for Monongah history information and photos, wrote:

“I remember Sandra and Charles. Sandra was the daughter of Fay and Martha Smith. They lived on McCue Street (formerly Front Street) below my parents’ house and between Jake and Mildred (Fullen) Puffenbarger & George and Katy (DeFazio) Manley.

“Your friend, Ramona Fullen Michalski, was a daughter of Jake and Mildred. Good people, good memories.”

Adam is a son of another Adam Michna. Adam’s sisters were Sister Rose and Sister Dolores of the Sts. Peter and Paul School nuns.

There were Swigers at Monongah High, and at MHS Reunions in recent years:

Donna Post Swiger, Class of 1955.

Harley Swiger, Class of 1962, and Debbie Swiger, Class of 1972.

Jimmy Swiger, Class of 1961.

Judy Swiger, Monongah High grad.

Charlie’s obituary:

Charles E. Swiger, 82, of Fairmont, West Virginia died Saturday, March 4, 2017 at his residence. He was born September 19, 1934 in Fairmont a son of the late John Wilson Swiger & Rosalene Marie Gaskins Swiger. He is survived by his wife Sandra Ann Smith Swiger of Fairmont.

He is survived by two sons and two daughters in law Bradley C. & Lynette D. Swiger of Bunner Ridge Community and Scott & Denise Swiger of Fairmont, four grandchildren Abigail Mayer & her husband David “Mookie” Mayer of Clarksburg, Emily Hawkins & her husband Jacob Hawkins of Colfax, Zachary Swiger and his companion Samantha Feltz of Colfax and Isaac Swiger of Fairmont, three great grandchildren, Amelia Gail Mayer, Emma Rae Mayer and Haven Ann Hawkins. He was preceded in death by a brother and sister in law John “Jack” & Mary Lea Swiger.

Mr. Swiger was retired in 1997 from the Garvin’s and United Dairy Products of Fairmont with 41 years of service. He served in the United States Army. Charles was a member of the Gateway United Methodist Church where he was active with the United Methodist Men. He was a 1953 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School. Charles was a 50 year member of Fairmont #9 A.F.& A.M. Masonic Lodge, a member of the Upper Mon Valley Shrine Club, Osiris Shrine Center and a member of the B.P.O.E. #294 Fairmont Elks Club.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Swiger to the Gateway United Methodist Church, 301 Diamond Street, Fairmont, WV 26554 or to the Osiris Shrine Center, Erie Shrine Hospital for Children, P. O. Box 2048, Wheeling, WV 26003.

The family will receive friends at the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554 Tuesday, March 7, 2017 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The casket will lie in state in the Gateway United Methodist Church, 301 Diamond Street, Fairmont, WV 26554 Wednesday, March 8, 2017 from 10-11 a.m. The funeral service will be held in the church Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Tim Edin officiating. The committal will follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery & Mausoleum. Masonic ritualistic services will be held at the cemetery by Fairmont #9 A.F. & A.M. Masonic Lodge. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.FORDFUNERALHOMES.com.