Bertha M. “Bea” Swartz, 96, of Galesburg, died at 7:18 a.m. Sunday, October 14, 2018 in Rosewood Care Center.She was born March 3, 1922, in Danville, Indiana, the daughter of Albert and Eva (Hampton) Stanley. She married Robert Swartz February 1, 1947. He preceded her in death in 1998.
She is survived by five children, Eric Swartz, Douglas Swartz, Donald Swartz, Roger Swartz, and Lucille Wilmoth; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and siblings, Marvin Stanley, Dale Stanley, and Winifred Foster.
Bea was retired from the Illinois State Board of Elections. She was a member of the League of Women Voters. She was appointed in 1970 as the first woman to serve on the Galesburg City Council.
She graduated from Olney Friends School in 1940. She was of Methodist faith.
Cremation will be accorded. The family will host a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Friday, October 19, 2018 in the chapel of the First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus or a charity of the donor’s choice. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is handling cremation arrangements for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.