Vada Muriel Swain

Together Again

Loyal, generous, and witty are just a few of the things that come to mind to those who knew Vada Muriel Swain, a family matriarch. At 96-years-old, Vada gained her angel wings on January 6, 2020 at the Community Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia, Ohio, surrounded by her loved ones, following a sudden illness.

Born September 6, 1923 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma to the late Claude and Nellie (Blanchard) Hicks, Vada experienced firsthand what many of us have only learned about in history books. From the Star-Spangled Banner being adopted as the national anthem, the Great Depression, landing the first man on the moon, through 16 United States Presidents, to the first electric TV, or in her words the boob-tube, Vada saw it all.

Vada married the love of her life, the late Carl Frederick Swain, on May 9, 1942. She depicted the epitome of strength throughout their nearly 60-year marriage as she saw Carl, an Army Master Sergeant, through World War II and other battles over the course of a 13-year military career, took care of their five children and even did her part on the home front during World War II by working for an ammunitions plant. She spent much of her life in Illinois before moving to Central Ohio in 1963 and later to Uhrichsville, Ohio.

A dedication to the community continued throughout Vada’s life. She served as a member of Harcatus as the Director of the Meals on Wheels program for more than two decades until she retired at the age of 83. Vada portrayed an unwavering devotion to being a wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker who also found a love of selling Avon for many years. You never left from a visit with Vada without a new sample of some kind.

Vada was an artistic soul and found peace in painting breathtaking landscapes and the logo of her beloved Cleveland Indians on anything she could find, most commonly slate from the roofs of old homes. Vada brought with her wit, knowledge, strength, love and a sense of humor second to none. Her bold and audacious personality stayed with her even into her final moments.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Vada was preceded in death by her brother, Melvin Hicks; daughter-in-law, Sharon Swain; and granddaughter, Kelly Welch. She is survived by her children, Carolyn (John) Poland, Linda (Dave) Truax, Gerald (Sharon) Swain, Mike (Diane) Swain, and Bill (Peggy) Swain, as well as 14 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great-grandchildren.

The family feels incredibly blessed to have had a woman so strong at the helm of their family tree for so long, but are at peace in knowing she and their patriarch, Carl, are together again with the Lord.

According to Vada’s wishes, cremation is planned without a public visitation. She will be interred beside her beloved husband in Ridgecrest Memory Garden in Dover, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, OH  44663.