Emery Ernest Swartzendruber

October 21, 1925 - March 4, 2013

Mr. Emery Ernest Swartzendruber, 87, of Rocky Ford passed away on Monday, March 4th, 2013 at Pioneer Health Care Center. Emery was born in Manson, IA on October 21, 1925, the son of the late Ernest Floyd and Sarah (Wenger) Swartzendruber the fourth of six children. He graduated from Palmer High School in Iowa. Then he graduated from Goshen Indiana College and the Pennsylvania School of Nursing followed by The School of Anesthesia in Philadelphia. He was the husband of Josephine (Lehman) Swartzendruber. They were married on June 21, 1952 in Goshen, Indiana. She survives. After being employed as anesthetist at St. Lukes Hospital in Philadelphia for one year, Emery and Jo along with their one year old son, Dan moved to Rocky Ford in 1954 soon after Pioneer Memorial Hospital opened. He was Pioneer's anesthetist for 26 years. He also periodically provided anesthesia services at the Eads, Hugo and Springfield Hospitals. Following closure of Pioneer Hospital he was employed at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center until his retirement. Emery was known for his green thumb. He raised indoor and outdoor plants and took great pride in his beautiful lawn and flower gardens. He completed a course in gardening through the Extension Office and received a certificate as a Master Gardener. His favorite flower was the Iris and he raised many varieties. He was a member of the Loomis Iris Society, and the Rocky Ford Tree Board for many years. Emery loved good music and participated in mens chorus and many of the community choral groups, including Madrigal Singers. One of his hobbies was breeding and showing fantail pigeons and later dwarf rabbits. He also raised dachshund puppies. One of the attractions of his backyard was a small pond featuring koi fish. Emery loved life-his family, his church, his work, his animals, his yard and flower gardens. He also loved to eat and enjoyed coffee times at Christines with friends. He was an active member of the Rocky Ford Mennonite Church. He took care of the church lawn and also provided weekly floral arrangements. He loved to decorate the church for special occasions. He wanted God's House to be beautiful. He was a member of Rocky Ford Mennonite Church Rocky Ford, CO. He is survived by his wife, Josephine of the home; Son Dan husband of Becky Swartzendruber of German Valley, IL; Daughter Carol wife of John Yost of Moundridge, KS. Daughter Elaine wife of Steve Miller of Rocky Ford, CO; Daughter Sue Swartzendruber of Rocky Ford, CO; He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Emery was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers: Clifford (Eleanor) Swartzendruber and John Swartzendruber; 3 sisters: Twila (Dale) Wenger, La Anna (Wilbur) Miller & Hazel (Elmer) Birkey; 2 grandsons: Matt Yost & Chance Nichols. A Memorial Service will be at the Rocky Ford Mennonite Church, Rocky Ford, CO, at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 9th, with Pastor David Mourn officiating. There will be no public viewing. Inurnment will be private at a later time in Valley View Cemetery, Rocky Ford, CO. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.