Mary Louise Swales

Mary Louise (Stebbins) Swales, 93, of Clearfield, PA passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Ridgeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by her family. Born on March 25, 1931 in Hyde, she was the daughter of Bessie M. (Walker) Stebbins and John Scott Hancock. On October 28, 1950 she wed Paul A. Swales at West Side Methodist Church in Clearfield. He preceded her in death on October 20, 2022.

Mary was a graduate of Clearfield High School, Class of 1949. She enjoyed all kinds of crafting, sharing her talents over the years with family and friends, and was the “craft lady” for local Girl Scouts. In later years she sewed custom wall hangings, as well as cushions for the oak patio furniture handcrafted by Paul at Swales Woodworking. She was an active member of Order of the Eastern Star, Clearfield Chapter #379 and the Keystone Travel Trailer Club for many years and enjoyed playing pinochle with friends and family.

She is survived by children Paul “Scott” Swales (Sharon) of Shelocta, Brenda Kennedy of Beaver, Arnold “Boo” Swales (Sharon Volpe) of Clearfield, and Dr. Thad Swales (Kim Demi) of Hermitage. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Michael P. Kennedy (Heather), Sarah Corner (William), Beau Swales (Cheyenne), Sydney White (Eric), Kassity Swales, and Jamison “JT” Swales, as well as four great-grandchildren: Ella, Michael “MJ”, Charlotte, and Maddox.

Mary was preceded in death by siblings Rev. John Stebbins, Hazel Allen, Fred Stebbins, Sara Miller, and Ida Williams, as well as son-in-law Michael J. Kennedy. She was the last of her generation.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home in Clearfield, with Pastor Paul Bowers officiating. Friends and family will be received from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of services.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the West Side United Methodist Church, 317 Nichols Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 or to a charity of choice.

To send online tributes please go to www.bennettandhouser.com