Obituary for Arlene E. Swales
Arlene E. Swales
Clearfield: Arlene E. Swales, 64, of Clearfield, passed away early Friday morning, April 3, 2008 at her residence. Arlene spent the remaining days of her glorious life at home, which she dearly loved, surrounded and comforted by family and numerous loved ones. She bravely fought a courageous battle for 2 years before going to her heavenly home.
Born at the Clearfield Hospital on July 6, 1944, she was the daughter of Charles H. and Ethel M. (Valimont) Dunlap of Frenchville and was the youngest of two daughters. Grew up on a farm and was a member of 4-H for two years. Was a member of the Frenchville Grange and also danced on the Grange Square Dance Team for a number of years. Attended and graduated from Clearfield High School June 2, 1962.
Became engaged to Robert G. Swales of Clearfield in July of 1962 and later married on July 13, 1963 at St. Mary’s Church in Frenchville. Immediately upon graduation from CHS, she began her professional business career by working for a CPA firm in State College. She returned to Clearfield to take employment as a Dental Assistant and then shortly went to work for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation. After 3 years she left employment with the Commonwealth and was a Claims Adjuster Secretary for a local insurance co. for several years. She then took a position as Legal Secretary and left upon securing a Civil Service position as a Clerk Stenographer with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Bureau of Forestry. On July 12, 2002, she retired from the position of Administrative Assistant with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Bureau of Forestry with 31 ½ tears of Service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Her accomplishments with the Commonwealth included being appointed to spearhead the first Clerical Uniform Committee that as led to the present time when every clerical employee within DCNR is given the opportunity for a wide selection of uniform articles to wear on a daily basis in their official duties. She was also singled out to serve on many various statewide committees throughout her years of service, including purchasing, contracting, fire prevention, and also participated in many Career Day activities at local Middle Schools in the promotion of service to the Commonwealth.
Her accomplishments have been recognized by receipt of a Citation from the House of Representatives and Representative Camille “Bud” George and a Letter of Commendation from The Governor of Pennsylvania Mark Schweiker. Throughout the years, she has been involved in many community activities including involvement with the PTA and many sports activities. She accomplished many “firsts” in the Clearfield area including: 1. Formed the first Red & Black Club Auxiliary to involve women in sports activities and later spearheaded the movement for the two clubs to be joined together as one membership of men and women known as The Clearfield Red & Black Booster Club. 2. Was also active in the Clearfield Wrestling Club, Clearfield Little League and was a member of the former Elk Hose Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. 3. The first female member of the Clearfield Lions Club and to hold the position of President which she held for 2 consecutive years. 4. Helped form the Committee to develop the Clearfield County Fair Queen Program in 1988. Three years later was asked to hold the role of Chairperson of the Fair Queen Committee which she currently held, touching the lives of hundreds of young women. 5. Redesigned the entire Fair Queen Program that has continued to grow in popularity through the years. And has placed one individual as PA State Fair Queen. Two as 1st Runner-up State Fair Queen and six in the top 5 Finalists in the State Competition. 6. In 2001 organized and began the “Queen’ for Kids” Charity to involve the Fair Queen and her court in fund raising events to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. 7.To date over $72,000 dollars has been raised for CMN to help meet the medical needs of the children of Clearfield County and Central Pennsylvania in a 7 year period. “Queens for Kids has been the largest single contributor in PA for 7 consecutive years thanks to her guidance. 8. In 2002 she helped organize the “Queens for Kids Music Fund Fest – an event filled with entertainment, refreshments, and prizes to help raise money for CMN. 9. Secured funding to enlarge the Fair Queen’s Dressing room in Expo II at the Clearfield Driving Park. Since the fair queen and court must work and handle animals throughout fair week, their area now contains a shower, makeup stations with lighting, rest area and storage/closet areas for clothing requirements. In recognition of her devotion and commitment to the Fair Queen Program and the entire fair industry, the Clearfield County Fair Board officially dedicated the remolded office in her honor in June of 2006. 10. Arlene’s accomplishments have been recognized by former Secretary of Agriculture, Samuel E. Hayes Jr. and present Secretary of Agriculture, Dennis Wolf. 11. She was honored by the Clearfield Business and Professional Women’s Club as “Women of the Year” in March of 2007. 12. On June 3, 2007 at the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon she was presented with the Jack (Pap Pap) Dillman award for outstanding service to the Children’s Miracle Network. This is the only such award presented in PA. Although she always gave of her self 110% to her career and community projects, her true love and devotion was to her family and enjoying family gatherings and annual trips to the beach.
She is survived by her Husband Robert G. Swales of Clearfield which celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on July 13, 2008, 4 children Andrew C. Swales and his wife Sandi of Bellefonte, Tracy L. Kelly and her husband Tom of Newtown Square, PA, Susan J. Swales Vitullo and her husband Sam and Robert A. Swales all of Clearfield. Nine grandchildren Kaitlyn Elizabeth, Karleigh Brooke, and Kirsten Jenna Swales of Bellefonte, Benjamin Swales Kelly, Shain Nicole Lenker, and Joseph Robert Kelly all of Newton Square, PA Tori Rai Hallstron, Denis Robert Swales and Elliot Elizabeth Swales all of Clearfield. And a stepgrandson Joseph Samuel Vitullo. A sister Shirley A. Shaffer and her husband William of Tonawanda, NY.
Quote from Samuel E. Hayes Jr. retired Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture stated “ Mrs. Swales has a talent for looking at how to make things better and how to make a difference in people’s lives. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church in Clearfield on Monday April 6, 2009 at 10 AM with Msgr H. Demsond McGee Jr. as celebrant. Rev. Rodger J. Gorton will also take part. Interment will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Clearfield.
Friends will be received at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Clearfield on Sunday April 5, from 2-9 PM and on Monday from 8:30 AM till 9:30 AM When the procession will depart for the church.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Queens for Kids CMN Program in care of the Clearfield Fair and Park Board P.O. Box 712 Clearfield PA 16830 or the Clearfield Foundation for Health - Hospice PO Box 992 Clearfield, PA 16830
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.
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Clearfield: Arlene E. Swales, 64, of Clearfield, passed away early Friday morning, April 3, 2008 at her residence. Arlene spent the remaining days of her glorious life at home, which she dearly loved, surrounded and comforted by family and numerous loved ones. She bravely fought a courageous battle for 2 years before going to her heavenly home.
Born at the Clearfield Hospital on July 6, 1944, she was the daughter of Charles H. and Ethel M. (Valimont) Dunlap of Frenchville and was the youngest of two daughters. Grew up on a farm and was a member of 4-H for two years. Was a member of the Frenchville Grange and also danced on the Grange Square Dance Team for a number of years. Attended and graduated from Clearfield High School June 2, 1962.
Became engaged to Robert G. Swales of Clearfield in July of 1962 and later married on July 13, 1963 at St. Mary’s Church in Frenchville. Immediately upon graduation from CHS, she began her professional business career by working for a CPA firm in State College. She returned to Clearfield to take employment as a Dental Assistant and then shortly went to work for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation. After 3 years she left employment with the Commonwealth and was a Claims Adjuster Secretary for a local insurance co. for several years. She then took a position as Legal Secretary and left upon securing a Civil Service position as a Clerk Stenographer with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Bureau of Forestry. On July 12, 2002, she retired from the position of Administrative Assistant with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Bureau of Forestry with 31 ½ tears of Service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Her accomplishments with the Commonwealth included being appointed to spearhead the first Clerical Uniform Committee that as led to the present time when every clerical employee within DCNR is given the opportunity for a wide selection of uniform articles to wear on a daily basis in their official duties. She was also singled out to serve on many various statewide committees throughout her years of service, including purchasing, contracting, fire prevention, and also participated in many Career Day activities at local Middle Schools in the promotion of service to the Commonwealth.
Her accomplishments have been recognized by receipt of a Citation from the House of Representatives and Representative Camille “Bud” George and a Letter of Commendation from The Governor of Pennsylvania Mark Schweiker. Throughout the years, she has been involved in many community activities including involvement with the PTA and many sports activities. She accomplished many “firsts” in the Clearfield area including: 1. Formed the first Red & Black Club Auxiliary to involve women in sports activities and later spearheaded the movement for the two clubs to be joined together as one membership of men and women known as The Clearfield Red & Black Booster Club. 2. Was also active in the Clearfield Wrestling Club, Clearfield Little League and was a member of the former Elk Hose Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. 3. The first female member of the Clearfield Lions Club and to hold the position of President which she held for 2 consecutive years. 4. Helped form the Committee to develop the Clearfield County Fair Queen Program in 1988. Three years later was asked to hold the role of Chairperson of the Fair Queen Committee which she currently held, touching the lives of hundreds of young women. 5. Redesigned the entire Fair Queen Program that has continued to grow in popularity through the years. And has placed one individual as PA State Fair Queen. Two as 1st Runner-up State Fair Queen and six in the top 5 Finalists in the State Competition. 6. In 2001 organized and began the “Queen’ for Kids” Charity to involve the Fair Queen and her court in fund raising events to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. 7.To date over $72,000 dollars has been raised for CMN to help meet the medical needs of the children of Clearfield County and Central Pennsylvania in a 7 year period. “Queens for Kids has been the largest single contributor in PA for 7 consecutive years thanks to her guidance. 8. In 2002 she helped organize the “Queens for Kids Music Fund Fest – an event filled with entertainment, refreshments, and prizes to help raise money for CMN. 9. Secured funding to enlarge the Fair Queen’s Dressing room in Expo II at the Clearfield Driving Park. Since the fair queen and court must work and handle animals throughout fair week, their area now contains a shower, makeup stations with lighting, rest area and storage/closet areas for clothing requirements. In recognition of her devotion and commitment to the Fair Queen Program and the entire fair industry, the Clearfield County Fair Board officially dedicated the remolded office in her honor in June of 2006. 10. Arlene’s accomplishments have been recognized by former Secretary of Agriculture, Samuel E. Hayes Jr. and present Secretary of Agriculture, Dennis Wolf. 11. She was honored by the Clearfield Business and Professional Women’s Club as “Women of the Year” in March of 2007. 12. On June 3, 2007 at the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon she was presented with the Jack (Pap Pap) Dillman award for outstanding service to the Children’s Miracle Network. This is the only such award presented in PA. Although she always gave of her self 110% to her career and community projects, her true love and devotion was to her family and enjoying family gatherings and annual trips to the beach.
She is survived by her Husband Robert G. Swales of Clearfield which celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on July 13, 2008, 4 children Andrew C. Swales and his wife Sandi of Bellefonte, Tracy L. Kelly and her husband Tom of Newtown Square, PA, Susan J. Swales Vitullo and her husband Sam and Robert A. Swales all of Clearfield. Nine grandchildren Kaitlyn Elizabeth, Karleigh Brooke, and Kirsten Jenna Swales of Bellefonte, Benjamin Swales Kelly, Shain Nicole Lenker, and Joseph Robert Kelly all of Newton Square, PA Tori Rai Hallstron, Denis Robert Swales and Elliot Elizabeth Swales all of Clearfield. And a stepgrandson Joseph Samuel Vitullo. A sister Shirley A. Shaffer and her husband William of Tonawanda, NY.
Quote from Samuel E. Hayes Jr. retired Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture stated “ Mrs. Swales has a talent for looking at how to make things better and how to make a difference in people’s lives. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church in Clearfield on Monday April 6, 2009 at 10 AM with Msgr H. Demsond McGee Jr. as celebrant. Rev. Rodger J. Gorton will also take part. Interment will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Clearfield.
Friends will be received at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Clearfield on Sunday April 5, from 2-9 PM and on Monday from 8:30 AM till 9:30 AM When the procession will depart for the church.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Queens for Kids CMN Program in care of the Clearfield Fair and Park Board P.O. Box 712 Clearfield PA 16830 or the Clearfield Foundation for Health - Hospice PO Box 992 Clearfield, PA 16830
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.
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