Mary Rust Swisher

Mary Rust Swisher, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on December 24, surrounded by her family, following a brief illness with pneumonia. She was 91. Mary was born to the late James and Drucilla Rust. She was married for more than 56 years to Lamar Swisher, until his passing in 2021. She was a graduate of Columbia High School and the Episcopal Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia. Mary received a Masters Degree from Millersville University. She spent her career as a school nurse at Centerville Middle School. After retiring, Mary and Lamar enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe, spending time with friends, and—most of all—loving and caring for their nine grandchildren. Mary is survived by her four children: Donna Brubaker (Scott), Mark Swisher (Terri), Jim Swisher (Mary Ellen), and Mary Ellen Kilp (Robert). She was the proud grandmother of Ryan Brubaker (Allison), Matthew Brubaker (Lian), Eric Swisher (Megan), Rebecca Swisher (Evan), Abigail Swisher (Jacob), Samuel Swisher (Megan), Adam Kilp (Sarah), Daniel Kilp (Anne), and David Kilp (Boranny), and the loving great-grandmother of Ellie, Amelia, Evelyn, Emmeline and Levi. Mary is also survived by her brother, Dr. James Rust, and his family. She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lancaster and worshipped at the Chapel of St. John’s Herr Estates, where she lived and was active in the community. Mary cherished cheering on and following her grandchildren’s sports teams, and she rarely missed a game or performance, taking great joy in supporting them in all they did. A member of the Lancaster Liederkranz, she and Lamar were part of the founding members of the Alpenrose Schuhplattlers. Friends and family are invited to a Funeral Mass at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 321 W. Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17603, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will greet friends following the service. Private burial will be in Wiconisco Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Donations can be made to St John’s Episcopal Church. The service will be live streamed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@st.johnsepiscopalchurchlan91

Mary Rust Swisher

December 24, 2025