Ethel Margaret Swarts

Ethel Margaret (Mauthe) Swarts, 96, of Oakmont, formerly of Allegheny Township, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, in her home. She was born June 20, 1929, in Kittanning to the late Hayes and Margaret (Painter) Mauthe. Ethel spent most of her life in Allegheny Township and worked for PPG in Ford City. A Presbyterian by faith, she lived a life centered around family, friendship and joy. Ethel enjoyed trips to the casino with anyone willing to go along and had a special fondness for watching Westerns. She never met a stranger, and conversation came naturally to her, cherishing connecting with people. In her younger years, Ethel was active in card clubs, involved in her church and loved dancing with her husband. She was always surrounded by laughter and good company. Ethel rarely missed an event involving her children or grandchildren – concerts, recitals, sports or any gathering where she could cheer them on. We take comfort in knowing she is now laughing and dancing with our father again; their joyful laughter was unmistakable in any crowd. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Swarts; brothers, Hayes (Bud), George, Harry and Frederick Mauthe; sisters, Mary Chestnut, Vernice “Dean” Beere and Helen Novak; and granddaughter, Emily Swarts. Ethel is survived by her daughters, Mindy (Skip) Bennett and Maggie (John Ravotta) McMahon; her sons, Jim (Suzanne) Swarts and Tim (Benise) Swarts; nine grandchildren; and eleven great Grandchildren.

A private service will be held for the immediate family, with a memorial service to follow at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Joseph J. Cardaro Funeral Home, 1125 Kenneth Ave., New Kensington, 724-337-3325. www.cardarofuneralhome.com