Bonnie Kathleen Swindler, 106, passed away on August 9, 2017, at NHC Nursing Home in Maryland Heights, MO.

She was born on January 28, 1911 in Lodi, MO., daughter of Columbus and Nora Alice

(Hughes) Boyer. Mrs. Swindler grew up on the family farm in Lodi where she rode to school on a horse named, “Charlie”, and attended first through eighth grade in a one room school house. Her teacher’s name was Miss Bonnie and she “loved her teacher and loved to learn”. She helped out in her father’s blacksmith shop and also accompanied her father to church socials, birthday parties, weddings, etc. in their community, where they entertained. Columbus would play the “fiddle” (violin) and Mrs. Swindler played the piano while they sang. Mrs. Swindler had learned to play the piano totally “by ear” as sheet music was scarce.

She was married on August 9, 1930 to Clarence John (Jack) Swindler. Mr. Swindler had recently completed his military service in the U.S. Navy, rank of Seaman, Second Class. One highlight of Mr. Swindler’s Naval service was standing guard while the U.S. Panama Canal project was being completed. Mr. and Mrs. Swindler were married 47 years when he proceeded her in death in October, 1977 at the age of 74. Their only child, Dorothy Jearline (Swindler) Davis, was born on September 22, 1931. Dorothy also proceeded Mrs. Swindler in death in March, 2006 at the age of 74.

Mrs. Swindler worked in a laundry then became a seamstress as a young adult and was well known for her ability to make beautiful outfits, and did make many of her daughter Dorothy’s clothes for her as a child and as a young adult. She was accomplished at crocheting and crafted many beautiful things from baby clothes to table cloths. She also had a large loom and would sew fine quilts out of bits and pieces of fabric she had left over from other projects. She never wasted anything and the quilts were fantastic. As she got older, large projects were burdensome for her so she began to make potholders that were “very” popular.

She loved to cook and would often make dishes right from her garden and desserts from scratch. She canned many fruits and vegetables over many years. She continued to love music and the Lord throughout her life and served for many years as a Sunday school teacher at her church as she loved children.

Mrs. Swindler is survived by her grandchildren, Mrs. Karen (Steven) Kurz and Mr. Stephen Davis. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren, Mr. Christopher (Nicole) Kurz, Mr. Jeffrey Kurz, Ms. Kattie Davis, Ms. Jessica Davis, Mrs. Cheyanne (Brian) Siler, Mr. Zackary Davis, Ms. Brianna (Timothy) Davis, and Ms. Sierra Davis.

She is also survived by 7 great, great grandchildren.

Mrs. Swindler’s Memorial Service will be Friday, August 18, 2017 at St. Louis Cremation. She will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at a later time.