Florence E. Schwalm

Florence E. Schwalm, 96, life-long resident of Goshen and in recent years, of Evergreen Place, Greencroft, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2007.  She was born May 6, 1910, to Agnes and John Shank, in Wakarusa.   Florence was the fourth child in a family of five girls and five boys.  Of those ten, three survive: Marjorie Stephens of Niles, Michigan, Donald Shank of Little River, South Carolina, and Kermit Shank of Hamilton, Indiana.  She was recently preceded by three brothers: Alvin, Ray, and Kenneth, and three sisters: Lucille Shank Messner of Elkhart, Gladys Shank Ganger and Irma Shank Mishler, both of Goshen.   Florence was married May 28, 1927, to Merle LaMar Schwalm, who passed away on January 23, 2000, at the age of 90.  They celebrated 72 years of marriage together.  Both were members of the Goshen City Church of the Brethren.   Their three children survive: Donna (Harold) Schrock of Goshen, Dean (Anna) Schwalm of Syracuse, and Jane (Robert W.) Miller of Wheaton, Illinois.  Also surviving are eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.   She was much loved by every member of her extended family, and they were her greatest joy.  She wil be remembered with great affection for her unfailing courage, good humor, and welcoming warmth.   Florence was a past member of Eastern Star and Maplecrest Country Club.   Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.   An 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 21, 2007, funeral service will be conducted at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Rev. Yvonne Riege and Timothy T. Yoder, both of Goshen City Church of the Brethren will officiate.   Burial will be in Violett Cemetery, Goshen.   Memorial contributions may be given to Goshen City Church of the Brethren or to Goshen Hospital Foundation.