Laverne Ruth (Bouse) Swinehart, 102, of Scotts, MI, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026.
Born on February 20, 1923 in Parma, OH, to Anna (Repka) and Oscar Bouse. She graduated from Parma High School in 1941 and later attended Ohio University, earning a B.S. She loved to play sports in college and worked in a war plant as admin assist and courier during WWII.
Laverne married William Swinehart in 1946 and raised their 4 children. She then spent many more years serving the Vicksburg United Methodist Church, much as admin assistant. Outside of work, she found joy in gardening and in women’s church organizations. She will be remembered for her greeting card ministry, often providing the encouragement needed by friends and strangers, alike.
She is survived by 4 children: Grant (Pam), Lyle, Dirk (Margaret) and Gail (Joe) Green, 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and a niece, Mary Jane Oring. She was preceded in death by her husband (Bill, of nearly 70 years), a sister (Clara Oring), a nephew (Ken Oring), her parents and Daughter-in-law Deborah Redman (Lyle).
She donated her body to Western Michigan University’s School of Medicine. A Memorial Service will be Saturday, July 25 at Vicksburg UM Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Vicksburg UM Church.
