Diane E. Swarthout

Diane Esther Swarthout passed away peacefully with a beautiful transition to God, on February 1, 2024.  At the age of one day short of her 81st birthday.  In her own home, surrounded by her loved ones, following a brief and unexpected illness.

Diane was born February 2, 1943 in Elmira, NY.  She is predeceased by her sister, Karen Stempfle, Mother Muriel (Updike) Stempfle, Father George Armen Jughulian and beloved son Christopher Swarthout.  She is survived by Ex-husband and friend, Duane Swarthout, Sister Robin Harness, Brother, John Stempfle (Janet), Sons Timothy Swarthout (Connie) and Scott Swarthout, Daughter, Melissa Rinker (Daniel), Bonus Daughter Karen Gordon.  Grandchildren CJ, Micah, Ashley, Katlyn, Holly, Kara, Gabrielle, Corey, Ethan, Dakota.  Great Grandchildren Isabelle, Madaly, Xoie, Mason, Izabella, Vaughn, Lea, Gabriel, and Levi.  As well as an abundance of friends.

Diane was raised in Elmira, NY a proud east sider.  She graduated from EFA high school and studied business marking.  As a young woman she worked at her uncle Slims restaurant.  She went on to raise her children, primarily as a stay at home mother.  Her hobbies included volunteering on the board for Mark Twain Little League, Fishing, playing video games which earned herself the coolest Grandma award.  She was known for years as the "Chicken Lady" at the Chemung County Fair, having organized the chicken barn.  Eventually she founded and operated Swarthout's Bait & Tackle Shop and changed title to "The Bait Lady" for 35 years, before retiring in September 2022.

Diane was known and loved in the community in numbers to great to count.  Her strength, wisdom, determination, dry sense of humor, fiery soul, tell it like it is, no filter personality and huge heart built her reputation as not just a smart and successful business owner, but a treasured friend to customers and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.  She was a devoted mother and loved her children fiercely.  Her sacrifices and unending love for her family never wavered.  She always put others before herself with selfless love and devotion.

Per Diane's wishes there will be no funeral.  A celebration of life will take place- February 17th at 12 pm at the Golden Glow Fire Department.  Lets show her how much she meant to this community and fill the room.

In lieu of flowers, friends and loved ones can make a donations in her memory to St. Jude's Hospital or the Josh Palmer Foundation.