Helen Loraine Harbison Swearingen, 95, passed away Feb. 23, 2022, at Wellbrooke, surrounded by family.
Helen was born Sept. 6, 1926, in Putnam County, to Raymond and Frances (Sewell) Harbison.
Helen graduated from Waveland High School in 1944. She attended and graduated from Indiana Business College in 1945. She married Richard “Dick” Swearingen on April 21, 1946, at Russellville. They were happily married for 52 years before Dick’s passing in 1998. They settled into their home on Englewood Drive, where they raised their four children.
Helen started a catering business with her friend, Doris Remley, in 1961, worked for the Journal Review, Indiana Printing, Larry Cummins Olds and retired from Horner Pontiac at the young age of 83. Helen was a member at Wesley Chapel and Darlington Congregational Christian Church and belonged to the Women’s Joy Fellowship.
Helen is survived by her four children: Don (Deb) Swearingen, Gwyn (John) Lyons, Kaye Francis and Paul “Buster” (Denise) Swearingen, all of Crawfordsville; 13 grandchildren, Kari Lyons Beattie, Cari Fruits Wolter (Pat), Julie Nelson Hess (Chad), Craig Swearingen (Amber), Mindy Fruits Kenney (Kevin), Ross Douglas (Kerrie), Danielle Francis, DJ Carkuff-Corey (Katy), Aaron Swearingen (Crystal), Chrissy Lyons Claycomb (Chris), Leslie Francis Peacock (Brandon), Tyler Lyons and Samantha Swearingen Cravens (Nate); 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Harbison (Mischa), nieces and nephews and dear friend, Karen Bray.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; parents Raymond and Frances Harbison; brother Lowell Harbison; and sister-in-law Virginia Harbison.
Helen’s goal in life was to always let Jesus shine through her actions and deeds. She was also an avid sports fan, loving her Indiana Hoosiers Men’s Basketball Teams and enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren play in all of their athletic events.
Services will be held at Hunt & Son Funeral Home, 107 N. Grant Ave., Crawfordsville, on Monday, Feb. 28. Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m., with funeral services at 2 p.m. A graveside service will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Montgomery County Community Foundation (fund of your choice), 119 E Main St., Crawfordsville IN 47933 or the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital through the St. Vincent Foundation - 8402 Harcourt Road, Ste 210, Indianapolis, IN 46260.
