Betty Jean (Leach) Swartz

     Betty Jean Swartz, 82, of Port Royal, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2026, at her home.

     Born Nov. 11, 1943 in Lewistown, she was a daughter of the late Marvin and Alberta (Nelson) Leach.

     On Oct. 13, 1961, she married her husband of 64 years, James L. “Jim” Swartz. Together they raised four sons, Andrew Swartz and wife, Robin, Nathan Swartz and wife, Tammy, Zach Swartz and wife, Sarah, and Kelby Swartz and wife, Jess.

     Also surviving are six grandchildren, Turner Swartz, Jensen Hart (Kyle), Marley Zook (Ryan), Brock Swartz, Anna Swartz, and Trace Swartz, two great-granddaughters, Claire and Emerson Hart, and two sisters, Nancy Shadel (Wayne) and Arlene Weiand.

     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Albert “Son” Leach, Harold Leach, and Kenneth Leach.

     Jean graduated from East Juniata High School in 1961.

     She was a dairy farmer, school bus driver, and the secretary at Port Royal Lutheran Church where she was also a member.

     She was a 4-H dairy leader and was passionate about the 4-H Seeing Eye Puppy Club. She and her family personally raised 32 puppies for the program. People enjoyed interacting with her and her dogs when she took them to hospitals, nursing homes, Relay for Life and to other places to visit.

     She enjoyed baking, knitting, crossword puzzles, mowing grass, gardening, participating in church activities, reading, walking her dogs and spending time with her family.

     There will be a viewing on Wednesday, June 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Guss Funeral Home, Inc., 20 S. Third St., Mifflintown and on Thursday, June 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Port Royal Lutheran Church, 402 Market St., Port Royal. Her funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church with Rev. Samuel Leister officiating. Interment will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Nook.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a contribution in memory of Jean to The Seeing Eye, PO Box 375, Morristown, NJ 07963 or to the Port Royal Lutheran Church, PO Box 267, Port Royal, PA 17082.

     Condolences may be left at www.gussfh.com.

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