Sarah Jane Gingerich, 87, died Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at her home in rural Riverside.
Jane was born Sept. 19, 1937, in Washington County, Iowa, the daughter of Emmanuel and Magdalena (Miller) Swartzendruber. She graduated from IMS in 1956, and attended courses to become a C.N.A. On Aug. 17, 1959, Sarah was united in marriage to Mahlon Joseph Gingerich at Sharon Evangelical Church. The couple made their home in the rural Riverside area, raising two daughters together. Sarah worked in housekeeping at Mercy Hospital and was a C.N.A. at Pleasantview Home for many years. She enjoyed puzzles, reading, birdwatching, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan. Jane was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved spending time with family.
Jane is survived by two daughters: Anita (Robert) Kanagy and Carmen (Johnny) Schwartz both of Wellman; seven grandchildren: Cory Kanagy, Fairlight (Scott) McGuire, Albert (Laura) Schwartz, Sarah (Hayden) Duty, Anne (Kermit) Maggert, Madeline (David) Ebersole, and Kathryn (Jay) Feller; 11 great-grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers: Robert (Doris) Swartzendruber of Iowa City and Dale (Vicky) Swartzendruber of Bettendorf; and sister: Carol Campion of West Branch.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Mahlon; three sisters and three brothers.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2025, at Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona. Pastor Larry Rediger will officiate. Burial will be in the Sharon Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Yoder-Powell Funeral Home. A general memorial fund has been established. The Yoder-Powell Funeral Home is caring for Jane and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
