Helen Swartz

Helen J. Swartz, age 100, passed away on December 17, 2025, at Holzer Hospital following a brief illness. She was born on February 1, 1925, to Russell and Etta O’Brien Cullums.

Helen was a graduate of Olive-Orange High School, Class of 1943. She married Harry Swartz following his service in the United States Army during World War II, and together they raised two sons, Allen and John.

Helen was one of the original “Rosie the Riveters.” After graduating high school, she worked at Firestone in Akron, Ohio, manufacturing airplane parts in support of the war effort. She later worked for several years at Logan’s in Athens, Ohio, and concluded her working career in the Fine Arts section of Alden Library at Ohio University. In addition, she served as clerk for Bedford Township for several years.

A woman of deep faith, Helen was a lifelong member of Hemlock Grove Christian Church and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Helen was raised on a farm and lived her entire life surrounded by the land she loved. She enjoyed gardening, mowing, and driving the farm tractor. She also loved knitting and crocheting. Known for her kindness and generosity, Helen had many friends in her neighborhood and often helped others by driving them to appointments when they were unable to do so themselves.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry Swartz; and her friend and companion, Thurman Dye.

Helen is survived by her sons, Allen (Barbara) Swartz of Vienna, West Virginia, and John (Carla) Swartz of Pomeroy, Ohio; grandchildren, Eric (Elisa) of Williamsburg, Virginia, Caitlin Swartz (Utkarsh) of Columbus, Ohio, Connor (Madison) of Columbus, Ohio, and Tiffany Sanders (Emmette) of Pomeroy, Ohio; and great-grandchildren, Harrison Swartz of Columbus, Ohio, Gavin Harder of Lancaster, Ohio, and Rowen Daniels of Pomeroy, Ohio.

Helen was a woman of great faith and strength and served as the anchor of her family for many years. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 1:00pm at the Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home in Pomeroy.   Burial will follow at the Burlingham Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held two hours prior to the funeral service (11:00am-1:00pm).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Meigs County Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program.

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