Caroline "Carrie" R. Swingler, 84, of Benton Harbor, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2016 at Pine Ridge Center in Stevensville.

Carrie was born on June 19, 1932 in Luxemburg, Iowa to Rudolph and Lidwina (Schmerbach) Henkels. Carrie married the true love of her life Raymond S. Swingler on October 20, 1951 and the couple celebrated 61 years together before Ray's passing in 2013. They owned a fruit farm in Coloma and sold produce, jam and pickles at the Farmer's Market in St. Joe. In addition to the farm, Carrie worked as a cook at Point of Woods Country Club before retiring in 1980. She was a member of the North Berrien Senior Center and St. Joseph Today. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, puzzles, reading and playing cards. She loved spending time with family and wintering in Florida.

She is survived by her sons Dennis Swingler of Greeley, CO, Mark Swingler of Stevensville, David (Jennifer) Swingler of Benton Harbor, Dean (Reta) Swingler of Sister Lakes, Alan (Carol) Swingler of Munster, IN, Wayne (Renae) Swingler of North Fort Myers, FL and Stepson Robert (Terri) Swingler of Cherry Valley, CA. Two brothers; Peter Henkels Dubuque, IA and Tony (Judy) Henkels Cape Coral, FL; three sisters, Marita (Eugene) Oberbroeckling Dyersville, IA, Therese (Daniel) Engelken, Dyersville, IA and Geny Duehr Dubuque, IA; 14 Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great-Grandchildren; as well as friends Leonard Young, and Tom & Rosemary Fogarty. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray, her parents, daughter Diane Swingler, brothers Tom Henkels Tucson, AZ, Norm Henkels San Diego, CA.

The family would like to acknowledge all the caring staff at Pine Ridge Center and PACE of Southwest Michigan, especially Kim.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date.

Duffield and Pastrick Family Funeral Home is assisting the family in the arrangements. Those wishing to leave a message or share a memory with the family on line may do so by using the "guestbook" link located on this page.