In Loving Memory of Vera Louise (Gray) Swineford
There are some people who leave their mark on the world in grand ways, and others who quietly make life sweeter for everyone around them. Vera was one of those people.
Vera passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 19, 1938, in Lafayette, Ohio, to Dorothy Allen Gray. She married the love of her life, Lawrence Swineford, on July 5, 1958, and together they built a life filled with love, family traditions, and adventure.
One of the greatest joys Vera and Lawrence shared was their love of motorcycles. Together, they spent years exploring the open road on their trike, embracing new adventures, making dear friends through the Mohican Valley Gold Wings Motorcycle Club, and creating stories they would cherish for years to come.
While Vera enjoyed life’s adventures, her true gift was bringing people together. Whether for holidays, picnics, or everyday visits around the kitchen table, she created a welcoming space where family gathered, connections were strengthened, and lasting memories were made.
Anyone who knew Vera likely remembers her Christmas cookies. Every holiday season, her kitchen became the heart of Christmas as she baked and frosted more than 35 dozen cut-out cookies. What began as a holiday tradition became a cherished family event, with children, grandchildren, and loved ones gathering to decorate them together. They were more than treats; they were an expression of her generosity and love.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Lawrence; her mother, Dorothy Allen Gray; her grandparents, Vera and Otto Allen; and eleven siblings: Howard, Milton, Georgia, Charles, Myrna, Charlene, William, Robert, Richard, and Donald.
She is lovingly survived by her four children: Debbie (Lon) Armstrong, Dianna (Thomas) McDonough, David (Dolores) Swineford, and Dorene (Matt) Johnson. Vera is also survived by nine grandchildren: Stacey (Neal) Nath, Brandon (Alex) McDonough, Ethan (Sam) Armstrong, Sarah (John) Stuart, Alyssa (Greg) Norrod, Kaleena (Joey) Davenport, Garrett Johnson, Shelbie Johnson, and Joshua Reed. She also leaves behind fourteen beloved great-grandchildren: Brayten Stuart, Jonathan Norrod, Tyla Stuart, Peyton Armstrong, Thomas McDonough, John Stuart, Jace Norrod, Sawyer Armstrong, Leela Nath, Millie McDonough, Maya Nath, Everett Armstrong, Jake Norrod, and Sloane Davenport. In addition, she is survived by her brothers, Vernon and John; her sister, Shirley; and many extended family members and dear friends.
While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Vera’s love lives on in the traditions she began, the recipes she shared, and the memories created around her kitchen table. Whether traveling the open road or gathering with family, she showed us that life’s greatest joys are found in the people we love. Her legacy will continue in every story told, every cookie decorated, and every family gathering that brings loved ones together.
Funeral services will be held on Monday August 3, 2026 at 11:30 am the Heyl Funeral Home with Pastor Brad Kelly officiating. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Monday August 3, 2026 from 10:00 am till 11:30 am. Interment will take place at the Ashland County Memorial Park following the funeral service.
Donations: The family requests in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Gentiva Hospice or American Diabetes Association.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.heylfuneralhome.com
Heyl Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements
Funeral Home: Heyl Funeral Home
Website: www.heylfuneralhome.com