Mary Jo (Ferrell) Swartz

Mary Jo Swartz, age 91, of Frenchburg, KY, went to the Lord Monday, January 26, 2026, at her home after an extended illness. Born October 29, 1934, in Frenchburg, KY, daughter of Moses and Bethel Terrell Ferrell. She was a devoted wife to Sam Swartz and a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

Mary Jo lived a life rooted in faith, love, and quiet devotion. A woman who deeply loved the Lord, she carried her faith into every part of her life, guiding her actions with grace and kindness. She retired from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into caring for them, always making space for laughter, comfort, and togetherness. Mary Jo was also deeply dedicated to supporting her husband in his service to Menifee County, standing faithfully beside him with strength, encouragement, and pride. An avid cook, she expressed her love through meals shared around the table, and as a devoted gardener, she found peace and purpose in nurturing growing things. Her legacy lives on in the faith she shared, the family she cherished, and the warmth she brought to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Moses and Bethel Ferrell; her husband, Sam Swartz; her son, James Norman Swartz; one sister, Phyllis Holland; and three brothers, Robert Ferrell, Gary Ferrell, and Marvin Ferrell. 

Surviving are her daughter, Debbie Wells (Jerry), and her son, Tim Swartz (Lana), both of Frenchburg, KY. Four grandchildren, Sam Wells (Leigh), Toby Wells (Erin), and Drew Swartz (Paige), all of Frenchburg, KY, and Trey Swartz of Madison, WI. Seven great-grandchildren, Cali Wells, Maci Wells, Andi Wells, Emmi Wells, Carsyn Wells, Luke Wells, and Sunday Swartz, all of Frenchburg, KY; a sister, Barbara Lykins of Owingsville, KY, and many beloved family and friends. A special thank-you is extended to Stacey White and her care team for the love and care shown during Mary Jo’s illness.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Menifee Home For Funerals with Bro. Tim Rhodes officiating. Interment in the Gibbs Cemetery, McCausey Ridge, Frenchburg, KY. Visitation, 11:00 am, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Menifee Home For Funerals, Frenchburg, KY: Randy Halsey, Funeral Director.

Active pallbearers are Sam Wells, Toby Wells, Trey Swartz, Drew Swartz, Eddie Harris, and Larry Smallwood. Honorary pallbearers are Gary “Skip” Ferrell, Cody Wolf, Rick Smallwood, Marlene Wilson, and Brenda Noble.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Menifee County Senior Center, 68 Old Campus Rd., Frenchburg, KY 40322.

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