Barbara Ellen Swartz passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 31, 2023 in St. Joseph, MO at age 82. Native to St. Joseph, she was the daughter of Mary Elizabeth and Robert Hoffman. Barb graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart before marrying her late husband, Gary “Sam” Swartz on December 26, 1964. She worked as an accounting clerk with Weyerhaeuser for 23 years before retiring. Barb enjoyed making beautiful quilts, reading, and traveling. Barb was dedicated to the St. Mary Catholic Church and St. Joseph community. She was a member of the St. Mary Altar Society, St. Mary Quilt Club, Wednesday Prayer Group, and the Mir House of Prayer. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, Gary “Sam” Swartz, daughter-in-law, Laura Swartz, and sister, Judy Ann Hoffman. She is survived by daughter, Melissa (Kevin) Crowl, St. Joseph, MO, sons, Robert (Christine) Swartz, Panama City, FL and Andrew (Ashley) Swartz, Bethany, MO, her grandchildren, Jillian Swartz, Louis Caruso, Kaitlyn Swartz, Jewel Caruso, and Ariel Swartz; along with four great-grandchildren, and siblings; Nancy Turner-Neis, Debby Smith, Denny Hoffman, and Tim Hoffman. At St. Mary Catholic Church, the family will receive friends from 9:00 am-10:00 am on Wednesday, January 10 with the Rosary to be recited at 10:00 am. The Mass of Commemoration, led by Father Stephen Hanson, will begin shortly after 10:30 am. The Inurnment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery following the services.
