Ava H (Ellis) Swiger

Ava H. Swiger, age 88, of Sidney, went to be with her Lord, Sunday morning, April 12, 2026, at The Landings in Sidney, Ohio.  She was born August 19, 1937, to George L. and Minnie (Haynes) Ellis, Sidney.

On November 4, 1958, she married L. Willis Swiger, who preceded her in death in 1980.

Ava is survived by one sister, Mary Lane Steenrod of Sidney, three nieces, Elizabeth Beal of Springfield, VA., Julie Hendricks of Toledo, OH., and Gail Nadzam of West Chester, Ohio.

Ava attended Sidney High School and Springfield School of Nursing. She was a charter member of the Jackson Center Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and played the piano.

Following her husband’s death, she moved to Arcadia, Fl.  where she continued her nurse’s training, earning her Registered Nurses’ degree.

At the age of 65, Ava was commissioned by the Southern Baptist Missions Board to serve in Niger, Africa, where she spent three years. She was known as “Mama” by families she helped.

Ava was deeply loved by her family and a friend to many. Her ambition, even into her nursing home days, was to be of help to anyone who needed her.

There will be a graveside service at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Adams Funeral Home, 1401 Fair Road, Sidney.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ava H (Ellis) Swiger, please visit our floral store.