Doris V. Swartz

Doris Van Loan Swartz, of Farley Rd., Ft. Plain, NY, passed away Saturday December 27th, 2008 at the St. Johnsville Nursing Home. Born in Coxsackie, NY on November 20th, 1925 a daughter of the late Grant and Mildred Hotaling Van Loan. She was raised in Coxsackie, NY and lived on South River St. while growing up there. Doris graduated from Coxsackie High School. Mrs. Swartz worked for many years as a Salesperson at various dress shops in Ft. Plain, NY. She worked at the former Pearl Shop and Charm Corner in Ft. Plain and designed all of their window dressings and displays. Doris was an avid gardener and won numerous awards for her work and was an avid collector of antiques, a trait she passed on. She also was an accomplished folk art and craft painter and enjoyed sharing her artwork with her friends and family. She was a member of the Fort Plain Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Friends of the Fort Plain Museum. She was also a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fort Plain. She married Russell F. Swartz on June 24, 1951. Her and her husband Russell moved to the family farm where they enjoyed farming for 57 years. Doris was a caring mother and raised three sons. In addition to her husband she is survived by two sons, Bradley Swartz Ramona of Charlton, NY, Lee Ritter Eileen of Herkimer, NY. Grandchildren, Meghan, Derek and Brandon Swartz, Mary, Marc and Beth Ritter. Two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Camryn. One sister in Law- Janet Van Loan of Canajoharie, NY. Doris was pre-deceased by her brother Grant W. Van Loan on July 13th of this year and a son, Craig Ritter in 1980. Graveside commital services will be held May 22, 2009 at 12noon at Ft. Plain Cemetery, Ft. Plain, NY. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Fort Plain Museum, P.O. Box 324 Upper Canal St., Ft. Plain NY 13339. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego St., Canajoharie, NY.