Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1926
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Violet Swords Obituary
2/25/26 - 2/28/15
Two days and 90 years after she came into this world, she left us and returned to heaven to live with Jesus.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Carpenter; her husband of 53 years, Cletus; daughter, Christine Buza; and son, Carl; sister, Dorothy Kirkwood; and brother, William Carpenter.
Vi was born in Illinois and came to Kenmore, Ohio after marrying Cletus. There she became involved at Park United Methodist Church, where she attended for 69 years. She loved doing what God called her to do. Family and friends would often go to Vi with prayer requests because they said she had a direct line to God's ear. She was also very involved in the Kenmore Community as well as the schools, clubs and activities her children were a part of, always setting a good example for her children to follow.
She is survived by daughters, Cathy Shillingburg (Ken) and Phyllis Nicholson (Randy); son-in-law Frank Buza; siblings, Ardene, Lavern and Martha Lee, all of California; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Carpenter of New Mexico and Lois Baer of Akron; and many nieces and nephews.
She loved her family and so enjoyed the many family get togethers, especially when she could be with her biggest pride and joy, her 10 grandchildren: Terry (Janet), Kenny Buza; Kimberly Kesler (Ken); Allan, Adam (Katie) Shillingburg; Collin, Skylar Nicholson; Kelsey (fiancé Jon) Jacob, Jeremy Swords, (Chad Silvey). Her four great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Stanick; Christian, Emma Kesler; and Gunner Shillingburg.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m. at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., with the funeral service to be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Park United Methodist Church, 2308 24th St. SW, officiated by Dr. Linda Somerville. Calling hours also one hour prior to service at the church. The family suggests memorials go to Park United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Violet Swords
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Dave Leichliter
March 11, 2015
Ken and Cathy. I was saddened to hear about your mother today. The word of GOD, the KJV Bible says in II Corinthians Chapter 5 and verse 8 that "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." Having that faith and knowing your mom, I know that she is in the arms of her Heavenly Father today. She stole my heart many, many years ago. I will miss her and her laughter and smiles.
Donna Espy-Rypel
March 9, 2015
I have so many fond memories with the Swords family growing up at Park Church...and Vi Swords was among my favorite...always smiling, always hugging, always greeting me as I walked in the church when visiting from Atlanta...I know she is reunited with Cletus and her daughter and son, and they are praising Jesus together! Prayers for my sweet friend Phyllis and her family...love you all...
Annemarie Crouse
March 9, 2015
Phyllis, Randy and the entire Swords Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Your mom was the sweetest, kindest, gentlest woman. Heaven truly has gained an angel.
Patrick Chisholm
March 9, 2015
A truly wonderful woman who will be greatly missed. I apologize that I was unable to attend yesterday due to a prior commitment that I could not avoid.
To the entire Swords family I want it known that Vi always made me smile. She is an exceptional woman, (and I mean is).
Thank you Vi for being the person that you are and being part of my families life. I am a better person for knowing you.
I can easily recall the last time I seen you. It was when we ran into each other at Steinly's and it was nice to just sit and chat with you for a while. I will cherish that moment forever.
Until we meet again you enjoy yourself!!
Betsy Rogers
March 8, 2015
Cathy and family
I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. Such a beautiful lady. May God wrap his loving arms around you during this difficult time.
Love & Peace
Nancy Price
March 7, 2015
Vi was such a sweet, loving person, who shaped her children into beautiful people. I mourn for those she has left behind, praying for their comfort in happy memories.
Frances Keller
March 7, 2015
The Keller family wishes to extend our sympathy for your loss. We remember the good times with the Park church family
Valerie Buza Daugherty
March 5, 2015
We have all lost a loving,sweet and happy part of our lives.
Cheryl Cimino
March 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Violet Swords's name
Memorial Events
for Violet Swords
Mar
8
How to support Violet's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Violet Swords's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
