Mary "Sue" Swisshelm nee Whissen

OBITUARY Mary Sue Swisshelm of St. Clair, MO departed this life at her home on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, having reached the age of eighty-one years, six months and seven days. Mary was born in Alexandria, VA on February 6, 1944, daughter of Melvin Otto Whissen and Susie Anna Elizabeth Whissen nee Bennington. As a young woman she was united in marriage and blessed to have three children. Mary is survived by her children, Terry J. Swisshelm, Jr. and wife, Wanda, of St. Clair, MO, Travis Swisshelm and wife, Kathy, of St. Clair, MO and Anna Williams of St. Clair, MO; by six grandchildren, Brittany Boone and husband, Jacob, of Washington, MO, Nathan Wells of Villa Ridge, MO, Austin Wells and wife, Reagan, of Independence, MO, Kyle Williams and wife, Grace, of Marthasville, MO, Joshua Williams and significant other, Brianna, of Pacific, MO and Michaella Williams of Union, MO; by her great-grandchildren, Tristan and Viola Boone and Carson, Chloe, Brodie and Mallory Williams; by her special cousin, Betty Ann Ritchey; by nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Susie Whissen; by her brother, William “Billy” Whissen; and by two grandchildren, Christina Payton and Jesse Wynne. Mary was a Christian, having been raised in the Methodist faith and longtime member of Fairview United Methodist Church in Grubville, MO, where she was very active in church functions, as well as filling in as youth pastor for over twenty years. She was employed by Social Services where she was an administrator in Headstart for over twenty years. Mary was very artistically inclined and enjoyed coloring, crafting, especially mandalas and dream catchers, and was a talented seamstress, even making Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening and watching college basketball and game shows. What meant most to her was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will be forever cherished by them all. A kind and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Monday, August 18, 2025 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO. A private committal will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to Fairview United Methodist Church.

Mary "Sue" Swisshelm nee Whissen

February 6, 1944 - August 13, 2025