BATH — Shirley Mae Parshley Swearingen, 90, died at Mid Coast Hospital on Jan. 21.

She was born in Bath on Dec. 20, 1921 in the family quarters of the Shepard St. Fire House to George and Ethel Varner Parshley; her father was the driver of Engine 3, a horse-drawn steam pumper.

She attended elementary and middle schools in Bath and graduated from Morse High School in 1940. She later worked for many years as a bookkeeper at Rogers Hardware, Bath Iron Works and Canal National Bank.

Swearingen was a member of the Bath United Methodist Church for over 70 years and was actively involved with the Bath United Methodist Women, having once served as its president. She was also a ward 2 voting clerk for over 20 years, belonged to the Bath Coasters and volunteered for many years as a Cub Scout and Brownie leader.

On Oct. 26, 1946 she married John F. Swearingen. Kindhearted and generous, she was a dedicated caregiver to family and friends throughout her life. She was also very patriotic, raising the American flag every day at her home. Each summer she enjoyed supplying neighbors and friends with fresh raspberries from prized bushes in her yard. She also loved classic movies, especially ones starring John Wayne.

Swearingen is survived by two sons Terry R. Swearingen and his wife Barbara of Lake City, Fla. and R. Troy Swearingen and his companion Susan Curtis of Arrowsic; four grandchildren Marc Swearingen and his wife Sara of Hendersonville, N.C., Heidi Barriger and Heather Swearingen of Lake City, Fla. and Rebecca Swearingen and her husband Alan Brown of Newburyport, Mass.; seven great-grandchildren, Cullen and Christopher Barriger, Abigail, Jonathan and Samantha Swearingen and Christian and Nathaniel Brown; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband John; sisters Dorothy Swearingen and Priscilla Parshley; brother George Parshley; and grandson Jason Swearingen.

A graveside service is planned for the spring. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made ot the Bath United Methodist Church, Shirley Swearingen Memorial Fund, 340 Oak Grove Ave., Bath, ME 04530.

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