Mary Rita Swartz

Mary Rita Swartz, age 86 of Lankin, ND, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at her home.

Mary Rita was born October 7, 1933 in rural Pisek, ND to John and Mary Ann (Jelinek) Novak.  She grew up on the family farm and graduated the class of 1951 from Pisek High School.  Mary Rita joined Glenn Swartz in marriage on November 14, 1951 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Lankin. They welcomed two sons, Greg and Leslie to the family and continued to live and work in Lankin and the surrounding area.

Mary Rita and Glenn loved life on the farm.  She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Altar Society. She was at her happiest when she was cooking and baking for her family and friends, tending to her garden, and telling her wonderful stories.

Mary Rita is survived by her son: Greg (Lynette) Swartz, Park River, ND; grandchildren: Heather (Anthony) Johnson, Park River, ND, Austin (Alicia) Swartz, Jenks, OK, Stacey (Justin) Loftsgard, Park River, ND, and Stewart Swartz, Park River, ND; 4 great grandchildren; siblings: Cleo (Doris) Novak, Grafton, ND and John (Ann) Novak, Bismarck, ND; special nephew: Mark (Laura) Novak and their children Emma (Darien) Schreiber, Maggie, Olivia, Matthew, and Luke. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Leslie, and brothers: Bruno and Mark.

Graveside services will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery of Lankin, ND on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at 4:00 P.M.  Friends and family will be available one hour prior at the cemetery for visitation.  Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.  Social distancing will be observed and masks are encouraged.