Barbara Ellen Stegle Sweitzer
Barbara Ellen Stegle Sweitzer, 97, of Cobden, died at 3:00 p.m. on December 2, 2020, at Hickory Point Christian Village in Forsyth, Ill.
Barbara was the daughter of John and Josephine Cerny Stegle.
Barbara married Walter L. Sweitzer on December 23, 1948, in Cobden, Ill. Walter died on Aug. 24, 1978. Barbara and Walt had six children.
Barbara is survived by one son, Joe Sweitzer (Kathy) of Cobden,Ill.; five daughters, SharLotte Dammerman of Lancaster, Pa, Sheryl Anne Kula (Charlie) of Lick Creek, Ill., Bobbie Sweitzer (Stephen Small) of Chicago, Ill., Sandra Sweitzer (Harvey Neverman) of Decatur, Ill., and Sonya Sweitzer-Bradley of Houston, Texas; two sisters Edlein Dillow of Anna, Ill., and Emma Lee Harris of Glen Carbon, Ill.
She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Gary and Joe Sweitzer, Rachel Colwell, Ryan and Brandon Dammerman, Stephanie Anne Kula, Stacie Anne Webb (Andrew) Sydney, Sheridan and Schuler Small and Brooks Bradley; and nine great-grandchildren, Theron and Lauren Sweitzer, Joey and Lillian Sweitzer, Arillia Colwell, Lucy Dammerman, Margaret and Helen Dammerman and Madeline Anne Webb; and many nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter L. Sweitzer; two brothers, Edward and Johnny J. Stegle; one little sister, Laura May Stegle, age 2; and a son-in-law, Gary Dammerman.
Barbara graduated from eighth grade at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and graduated as valedictorian of Cobden High School in 1941. Barbara was a member of both St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Anna, Ill., and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cobden, Ill. She was a St. Mary’s quilter for many years. Barbara loved to cook, feed and watch the birds, work crossword puzzles, sew and was an avid reader.
Strengthened by the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, Barbara passed peacefully into the loving arms of God.
There was a private family Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cobden, Ill., with Father Uriel Salamanca officiating. Barbara will be buried in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Cobden, Ill.