Ella May Swearingen

Ella May (Crouch) Swearingen, 95, of Groton, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024 at Hospicare & Palliative Services in Ithaca.

She was born September 28, 1928 in Ledyard, the daughter of the late John Henry and Elsie Cleao (Allen) Crouch.  Ella was lifelong area resident, having made and tended home for her family.  She had also worked in earlier years at Smith Corona.

She is survived by her children: Sharon Griep (Lacey), Bonnie Swearingen, William “Bill” Swearingen (Cathy), Lynn Swearingen (Sandy), and Tracy Swearingen (Amy); nine grandchildren: Jason Griep (Sharon Radly), Lisa (Charles), David (Katie) & Brent Swearingen, Cody Sherwood, Aryn Sandy, and Mackenzie, Tyler & Jordan Swearingen; ten great-grandchildren: Ariel Coral (daughter of Jason Griep & Carol Hill), Elijah Griep, Anthony & Ava Swearingen, Aubrey & Luna Sherwood, Evan & Louis, and Olivia & Dylan Swearingen; and a great-great granddaughter, Linnea Radly, (daughter of Nick & Savannah; grandmother, Sharon).

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 73 years, William “Bill” Swearingen, in 2019; a son-in-law, John Wood (Bonnie); and by her brothers: Kenneth Allen Merriman, Sr., Charles Gordon Crouch, Sr., Robert Eugene Crouch, Sr., Paul Henry Crouch, Sr., and John Alfred Crouch.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2024, with a reception to follow, at the Groton Assembly of God Church.  Interment will be at West Groton Cemetery at a later time.

Contributions are graciously directed to Hospicare & Palliative Services, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850; https://www.hospicare.org .