Helen LaVon Swagerty, age 84, of Elkhart, Kansas died Sunday, August 19, 2012 at Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, Kansas. She was born November 1, 1927 in Hutchinson, Kansas the daughter of Earl Frederick and Elva Fay (McCowen) White.

Helen attended first grade in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, grade school and high school in Manter, Kansas and graduated from Elkhart High School. She married Ralph Swagerty on November 26, 1945 in Elkhart, Kansas. She worked beside her husband for 40 years. They owned and operated the IGA store in Elkhart and Gem Dandy until their retirement. Helen was a member of the First Church of God. She enjoyed working, being with her family, and attending her grandkid’s sporting events.

Survivors include one daughter, Sheryl Smith of Elkhart, Kansas; three brothers, Edgar White of Elkhart, Kansas, Floyd White of Boise City, Oklahoma, Gene White of Tuscumbia, Missouri; two sisters, Elva Johnson of Rolla, Kansas, JoAnn Fowler of Elkhart, Kansas; three grandchildren, Jason and Stacie Smith of Peyton, Colorado, Shelby and Wade Blakeley of Elkhart, Kansas, Justin and Courtney Smith of Gardner, Kansas; seven great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Sklenar, Tyler Sklenar, Austin Smith, Nathan Smith, Steven Smith, Skyler Smith, and Sydney Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph on August 20, 2011; and brother, Earl Ray White.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the First Church of God in Elkhart, Kansas with Reverend Gary Murrell presiding. Interment will follow at the Elkhart Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday, August 22, 2012 from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart. Memorials may be given to the First Church of God or Donor’s choice in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.