Mary Jean Erickson Swartz Balazs

Smithfield ? Mary Jean Erickson Swartz Balazs, 78, of Smithfield, peacefully passed away on April 23, 2002. A life-long resident of Cache Valley, she was born June 2, 1923 in Smithfield, a daughter to Alfred Alan Erickson and Maggie Balls. She attended local schools, graduating from North Cache High. She married Preston Lawrence Swartz, a military policeman from South Bend, Indiana, on October 22, 1943 in California, having met him at the Bushnell Hospital where she worked as a secretary. The marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple on April 12, 1944. He passed away December 31, 1988, after 45 wonderful years together. She married Fred Z. Balazs in 1996 and enjoyed his companionship until he passed away in 2000. Mary Jean loved children and delighted in their enthusiasm and laughter. She also loved flowers?all kinds, especially lavender lilacs. She raised various types of fruits: apricots, apples pears and plums and was always willing to share her harvest. She was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, holding positions in the Relief Society organization and as ward librarian and treasured her membership and testimony. She leaves behind a son and a daughter: Robert Preston Swartz, Smithfield; Marilyn Swartz Jerome Thornley, Smithfield; and a daughter-in-law: Deborah Larsen Swartz, Hyrum; 18 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by a brother: Wayne Sandra Erickson, American Fork; and two sisters: Ruby Glen LaPray, Logan; and Lois Marriner Rigby, St. George. She was preceded in death by both her husbands, Preston and Fred, a son, Steven Alfred Swartz, a grandson, Brian Robert Swartz and five brothers: LaRon, Ross, Gordon, Quentin and Richard Erickson. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 4, 2002 at the Smithfield 7th Ward Chapel, 79 East 200 South, with Bishop Chris Browning conducting under the direction of Nelson Funeral Home. Friends and family may call Saturday morning at the church prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be extended online at www.nelsonfunerahome.com .