December 16, 2025
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Barbara J. Swank

Lenox

By Cummings Family Funeral Home
Barbara J. Swank, 74, of Lenox, died Dec. 12, 2025.

Barbara J. Swank, 74, of Lenox, died Dec. 12, 2025. (Cummings Family Funeral Home )

Memorial Service for Barb Swank, 74, of Lenox, will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Lenox Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the Lenox Presbyterian Church. Inurnment will be held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Memorials may be directed to the Lenox Presbyterian Church in Barb’s honor. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.cummingsfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Jean Swank passed away Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Barb was born April 29, 1951, to Kenneth and Nina (Nelson) Schaffer in Creston. Barb graduated from Lenox High School in 1969.

Merle and Barb united in marriage Oct. 3, 1969, at the Lenox Christian Church in Lenox. They were blessed with three children: Kendra Lea, Kylene Kyleigh and Kirk Eugene. Merle and Barb lived in Lenox all their lives and raised their children in Lenox.

Barb worked most of her life at Taylor Ridge Estates where she retired from due to health issues in May 2015. Barb was a very hard worker and had compassion for those she cared for.

Barb was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was her world.

Barb is survived by her husband Merle; daughters, Kendra (Seth) and Kylene (Cody); son Kirk; grandchildren: Kierstin Swank, Hunter Simpson, Dylan (Karla) Simpson, Ashton Simpson, Dominic Gooch and Kade Simpson and great-grandchild Maylani Hickman. Barb is also survived by a sister, Creola Riley; nephews: Kevin Riley, Kurt Riley and Jason Riley; sisters-in-law, Betty Schaffer and Carolyn (Wayne) Wilson; brother-in-law Gary Swank; nephews, Jim Schaffer and Greg Schaffer, along with many other family and friends.

Proceeding Barb in death are her parents, Kenneth and Nina Schaffer; brother Dean Schaffer; Dean’s children, Jeffrey Allen and Debra; Creola’s husband, Richard and son, Phillip; her husband’s parents, Raymond and Margaret Swank and brother-in-law Donald Swank.

Barb will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The family thanks everyone at Creston Specialty Care for the wonderful care they gave Barb.