Betty Jane Swihart, age 77 of Mendon went to be with the lord on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020 while a patient a Borgess Medical in Kalamazoo.  She was born in Vicksburg, MI on Sep. 18, 1943 the daughter of John M. and Evelyn M. (Hyde) Smith.  She was a graduate of Mendon High School and Glen Oaks Community College. She was first married to Robert Mastin in 1962 in Kalamazoo, later divorced.  Betty was a true humanitarian and had a passion for helping others.  She was an avid quilter, donating over 60 lap quilts to a local dialysis unit.  She recently sewed over 600 COVID masks, donating them to police and fire departments.  Betty hosted many Foreign Exchange Students and enjoyed showing her students the American life.  She ran a tax preparation business from her home for several years, donating her services to needy clients.  She was an active member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter 154 where she served as Worthy Matron.  She played the guitar, practiced yodeling, and loved the time with her family.

Betty is survived by her fur-babies, Koko, Buddy Roe, and Tinkerbell; one daughter, Pamela Anderson of Mendon; grandsons, Corey Hoffman, Ian (Jenny) Stewart of Kalamazoo; granddaughter, Rheana (Vesko) Uzunova of Varna, Bulgaria; great-granddaughters, Devony and Victoria of Houston, Texas; step-sons, Lester (Evie) "Ponch" Swihart grandchildren Stephanie (Bradley) Shaw, Melissa Swihart, and Steven Swihart; great-grandchildren, Dakota Rose, Harper, Rob (Kirsten) Metty; granddaughter, JoLynn, grandson, Billy Smith; granddaughters, Jessica and Jenna; her sister, Reverend Barbara (Ricky) Swihart; her best friend, Chris (Jesse) Hodges, Luke, Kelli, and Emma, and grandchildren. Also surviving are in-laws, Phyllis Varner, Janette (Green) Kelley, Bob Swihart, Denise (David) Cook, Ricky Swihart, Julia Swihart, and Pat Swihart.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence "Bud" Swihart; her parents, Jack and Evelyn Smith; brother, Bill Smith; sisters, Edith and Alice May; aunts, Mildred (Jim) Loosier, Vera Kniss, Flossie Noel, and Betty Jane; uncles, Carl, Chuck, Roy, and Alfred Smith; her step-son, Bruce Smith; in-laws, Harold Swihart, Walt and Sandy Swihart, Rowenna Swihart, Ron Swihart, Chuck Swihart, Connie Swihart, Carol Wadsworth, Tom Swihart, Jim Swihart, Jay Kelly, Bill Varner, David Green; niece, Debbie Sue Kelley; Aunt, Cora Lipka; and uncle, Lavern Smith.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 5pm at the Leonidas Baptist Church with Pastor David Stevens officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue Fund, P.O. Box 593, Centreville, MI 49032. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com