Mary Sweitzer

Mary Hammer Sweitzer, 80, of Monterey died Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at UVA Medical Center. She was born May 31, 1924 near McDowell, a daughter of the late Winfield S. and Maggie Alice Varner Hammer.

Mrs. Sweitzer was a contributing writer for The Recorder, a DJ for WVLS radio; a supervisor at Aileen, Inc. for 21 years and managed Jessico, Inc. for 7 years. She and her husband owned and operated Midway Station, near McDowell for 16 years.

She was a member of Monterey United Methodist Church, Highland County Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and an honorary member of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce. She was also on the board of directors for WVLS; secretary of the Highland County Fair Association and belonged to various other organizations.

Her husband, Ernest T. Sweitzer, a sister, Freda Thacker and a brother, John Hammer, preceded her in death.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Ernest T. Jr. and Joyce Sweitzer of Monterey; a grandson, Steve Sweitzer and his wife Nancy of Monterey; a sister, Anna Lee Pullin of Staunton and a number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 17, 2004 in McKendree Cemetery. The Revs. Mike Sullivan, Robert Haley and James W. “Bill” Moore will be officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday evening at Obaugh Funeral Home and other times at her residence.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.