Elizabeth (Betty) Arline Swithers, 92, resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, former resident of Flagstaff and Sun

City, Arizona; Southern California and Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, passed away on January, 17, 2024.

Betty was born February 11, 1931 in Nanticoke to Evelyn and Cliff Norton, and a sister Doris. Following her

true nature and Christian beliefs, she loved all people and possessed a fierce love of family. Betty had a

knack for making people feel cared for and included. There is a quote that says "And if, when it is all

over, I'm asked what I did with my life, I want to be able to say "I offered love." Betty can surely attest to

that.

Growing up in Nanticoke, Betty cherished her youth in the close knit community. She graduated

from Nanticoke High School in 1949. In the yearbook she is aptly described as "Petite, Charming,

Carefree, Lovely, Beguiling, and Good-Humored." These traits run true throughout her rich and long life.

Shortly after high school Betty met a local Alden boy, Harry Semmer Swithers Jr., at Fuller's soda shop in

Nanticoke. They were smitten with one another from the start. Unfortunately, Harry was scheduled to

leave for the US Air Force just three weeks later. Devoted to each other, Harry and Betty wrote letters

for almost four years. At last, they were married in Hollywood in 1952.

The couple settled in Los Angeles where Harry studied and became employed in the aerospace industry

as a Mechanical Engineer. Harry and Betty became parents to two baby girls - Arline Ruth and Gaye

Lynn. Elizabeth was a loving, supportive wife and mother. This, she felt, was her real work and mission in

life, although she did work many years in various roles and was always considered a valuable employee.

In her spare time, Betty sewed, knitted, oil painted, baked and gardened. Her interest in gardening

blossomed as a transplant to the warm California climate. Betty was also interested in nutrition and the

lighter West Coast fare. As a result, there was always a salad and a healthy meal on the table.

Betty and Harry spent most of their retirement years between Flagstaff and Sun City, Arizona. They were

an excellent team in purchasing, fixing up and selling homes. They were involved, loving grandparents

and active community members. At the RV Park Betty sang in the church choir and performed in the

annual musicals.

In 2018 Harry, 90, passed away from Parkinson's Disease. The best friends had been married 66 years.

Elizabeth moved to an assisted living home in Scottsdale where she was a good friend to many and

began a culture of hugging between friends and caregivers. Betty survived Covid- twice! Once at 89 and

again at 92. Perhaps clean living, hard work, good nutrition, fresh air, sunshine and a loving, out-going

personality served her well.

We were truly blessed to have Betty in our lives, and she is deeply missed. We take comfort in knowing

she is now in heaven, joyfully reunited with her beloved Harry, her parents, and many dear family

members and friends. By the time you reach Betty's age, it seems you know more people in heaven than

on Earth.

Throughout her life, Betty gave freely of her time, her talents, and her love. Her generous spirit shone

through in the handmade gifts she created and the thoughtful words of encouragement she shared. Her

laughter, her wisdom, her kindness, her talents, and the memories made together remain with us

always. Most of all, her love will forever be a lasting gift.

Elizabeth is survived by Arline Martens (Chuck), Gaye Kiel (Erik), six grandchildren, and twelve great-

grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Cliff and Evelyn Norton, and her husband Harry

Swithers (June 2018). Her sister Dorris (nee Norton) Berry passed away a few months after Betty. A

memorial service for Betty was held in February 2024 in Scottsdale, AZ.

Betty and Harry wished to be buried in their hometown, Nanticoke, a beloved place even after many

years away.

Please join the family for a graveside service for them at 11:00, Saturday, August 30, 2025

at Nanticoke City Cemetery, Nanticoke, PA.