Orthella Swalla

Orthella went to her heavenly home on August 21, 2022, her wedding anniversary.

She was born in Croswell, Michigan where she went on to attend Alma College being the Homecoming Queen her senior year and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Music was a big part of her life learning piano at the age of 6. On August 21, 1948, she married Donald S. Swalla.

Red was very involved over the years with many committees and organizations, including the South Toledo YMCA and Storer Camps. She volunteered as a music teacher in Toledo Public Schools.

She was lovingly known as “The Mother of Midwest Hardcore”. Her many interests included Bingo, puzzles, swimming, gardening, cooking and baking “the best” homemade pies. Tennis was another activity she enjoyed, playing often at Laurel Hills Tennis Club.

In her 60’s, Red learned to play the cello and was a community member of the University of Toledo Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years. As a talented pianist, Red shared her love of music with others. When living at Genesis Village for 5 years, she often played the piano at meals for her friends there. Some of her favorite things included chocolate anything and shopping.

Orthella was very involved in her church, First Presbyterian Church of Maumee, where she was a member for over 60 years and served many positions including being a Deacon and part of the Choir and Bell Choir. Being the loving Mom, grandma, and Nana she was, family meant everything to her. She enjoyed cookouts and gathering together.

She enjoyed her grandkids and great grandkids. Being the best Nana, she loved joining sports events, school activities and programs or just going to the parks together.

Our beautiful mom, grandma, Nana will be dearly missed by her sister Lora Gravish; children, Stephen Swalla (Karen Haderman) , Tracey Coger, Todd Swalla (Courtney Boxell) and Barbara Kiernan; grandchildren, Brittni Kiernan (Ja’Marr Eaton) and Connor Kiernan; great grandchildren, Lucy Demmy, Zayvian, Zyair, Zariah and Sean Robinson, Cali Eaton and Nikolai Coger; Former son-in-law, Thomas Kiernan and dear friends, Meg and Doug Klopp. She was preceded in death by husband of 52 years, Donald Swalla; parents, William and Martha Anderson; siblings, Thelma, Clayton, Dwain, Nora, Beulah, Bill and Lora Belle; and grandson, Jeremy Coger.

Friends will be received at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral home on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 from 3-7 P.M. Visitation will continue Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at First Presbyterian of Maumee, 200 East Broadway Street, Maumee after 3 P.M. where a memorial service will follow at 4:30 P.M. Interment will be private. Memorial contribution may be made to the church. Condolences may be shared with the family at Walkerfuneralhomes.com.