Florence G. McDaniel 1916 – 2012
Florence G. McDaniel, 96, a former resident of Churubusco and widow of Benjamin F. McDaniel, passed away at 10:45 a.m. on March 28, 2012, at Bell Trace Health and Living Center, in Bloomington, three day after her birthday.
She was born to Ralph and Sarah (Marshall) Swoverland in Carmel on March 25, 1916, and spent her formative years in various small communities in Indiana. After high school she studied nursing at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis in 1934, and became a registered nurse doing private duty nursing for several years. After she married Benjamin F. McDaniel on February 27, 1940 in Elkhart, she raised a family while he served the in the U.S. Army.
In 1952 the family moved to Churubusco where they owned and operated the Western Auto Store. Mrs. McDaniel resumed her nursing career working as a nurse and later as the Director of Nursing at Whitley County Hospital in Columbia City. She retired from Nursing in 1964 and continued to assist her husband in the operation of their business until their retirement in 1976. Following their retirement they continued to live in Churubusco but also spent half the year near Punta Gorda, Florida until Mr. McDaniel’s death in 1998. Mrs. McDaniel had spent the last several years of her life in Bloomington.
She is survived by her children John (Liz) McDaniel of Bloomington, Nancy (Mike) Contat of Bellaire, Mich., and Sharon McDaniel of Washington D.C.; three grandchildren Shaun (Lisa) Culp, Heather (Jim) Gray, and Katherine McDaniel; and six great-grandchildren
Mrs. McDaniel was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and by two brothers Donald Swoverland, and Rev. Marshall Swoverland.
Private family graveside services will be held at the Christian Chapel Cemetery in Merriam with Rev. Corinne Boruff-Stucker, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating.
At the request of the family, there will be no calling hours. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association or to the donor’s choice.
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To leave an online condolence for the family in Mrs. McDaniel’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
March 30th, 2012 at 11:29 am
To the McDaniel family, Becki and I want to express our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with your families. Your mother was a terrific lady and will be deeply missed, but not forgotten
Chuck Mathieu
March 30th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Sharon, Nancy and John,
We are deeply saddened by the news about the death of your mother, Florence. This must be very difficult for all of you. The other day I came across a small clock (Santa gift wrapped in western auto paper, left at the back door) that your parents gave me back in 1972. I have kept it all these years. Those memories I cherish!
Please remember that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
David and Dora(Anderson)Gaither
Bedford, Virginia
March 31st, 2012 at 11:22 am
Dear Sharon,John,and Nancy, Florence was my favorite first cousin and I loved her. As a child, I remember sitting next to her while she played the piano. Bob and I enjoyed our Florida and Indiana visits very much. Your parents will always be remembered. Blessings, Bob and Phyllis Dillon
April 4th, 2012 at 11:31 am
Dear Sharon, John, Nancy and family,
I had the privilege of taking my parents, Bob and Phyllis Dillon to Bloomington a few years ago to visit with Florence at Bell Trace. It was such a delight meeting her and it meant so much to both Florence and my parents to have that time together. I have heard so many lovely stories about Florence and I’m so glad for these memories. I do remember Florence asking how old my grandmother Vivian was when she passed away and when my mom told her 96 she smiled and said something to the effect that she too would make it to 96! Heartfelt condolences and prayers go to you and your families. Patti Dillon Balchan
August 22nd, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Sharon, Nancy, John: Reading about your mother brought back the memories of encouragement she gave me when I was trying to decide if I should go on to college. She helped me to grow my dreams and to strive to be all that I could be. Your dad was also a big help to me.