Obituary of Ellen Swafford

Mrs. Frances Ellen Swafford entered into eternal rest March 27, 2023 at the age of 79 years old.  She was born in Rochester, New York to the late Frank Ferris and Christine Strahan Ferris on November 24, 1943.  Ellen is also preceded in death by her brother, John Ferris.  A funeral service will be held Friday, March 31, 2023 at 11 AM at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory.  A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. A private family burial will follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery.

At the young age of 17 years old, Ellen attended Georgia Baptist Nursing School in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduation, her nursing career allowed her to serve at several Middle Georgia hospitals.  She became the director of several local nursing homes during the years, and she gave her time to help young nurses by teaching classes at Houston Vocational Center.  In addition to her nursing and directing jobs, Ellen became a pharmaceutical representative and received her real estate license.  She was dedicated to helping people.

In addition to being a dedicated homemaker, wife and mother, Ellen loved to cook.  She also loved the arts, especially painting.  She served as the president of the Fine Arts Society of Middle Georgia in the 1980's, making many friends along the way.  Using  oils and watercolors, she loved to paint pictures of wildlife and of family life. One of her favorite things to paint was china.  If you ever visited Ellen's home her pieces of work were around the house and in her studio. Art was one of her many passions.  Ellen also loved to go on cruises with her "cruise buddies" and with family. This brought her much joy.  As they traveled with family and friends, each person had to wear their custom t-shirts that read " Friends Do It Together". Ellen and Audley traveled to many destinations including Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean.  Ellen Swafford loved life and loved those around her.  She was always willing to give advice that she thought would help others. She will be lovingly missed by her family and friends.

Ellen is survived by her beloved husband, Audley Swafford;  son, Dan (Karen) Swafford;  daughter Lisa (Pete) Luna; sister Ann Kennon (Robert); brother Mark Ferris; 10 grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.

Please sign the online guest registry at www.heritagemfh.com and leave a personal condolence for the family.

Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory has the honor of being entrusted with the arrangements for Mrs. Frances Ellen Swafford.