SWENSON, Mary Grace

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona February 27, 2003 Mary Grace Eckstorm Swenson, a retired hospital administrator, passed away February 24, 2003. She was born June 12, 1910, to the late John B.C. Eckstorm, M.D., a Walter Camp All American, and one of the first Ohio State University football coaches; and his late wife, Grace Youse Vittemire Eckstorm. During World War II, Mary was a member of the USO, and was also responsible for transporting high-ranking officials in the Armed Services. Mary moved to Arizona in 1975, and was devoted to All Saints Lutheran Church, volunteering her time and experience to lead the Cutups, a service organization, which provides handmade clothing and blankets to newborn babies. She was also active in the Democratic Party, Kappa Delta Sorority, and Eastern Star. She was an avid fan of the Phoenix Suns basketball team, and Diamondbacks baseball team. She is preceded in death by her two loving husbands, Lt. Col. Kermit James Mills, adjutant to the late General Lewis B. Hershey, Director of the Selective Services; and Ingwald Andrew Swenson, an associate of James Cash Penney, founder of J.C. Penney Co. Her pride and joy were her daughter, Carol Mary Mills, grandchildren James Mills Schweikert, wife Laura Immel Schweikert, Ian Eckstorm Schweikert and fiancee Danielle Mary Kelly. She was thrilled with and very proud of her three-year-old great grandson, Zachary James Schweikert. She also cherished her stepson John Charles Swenson, wife Alice, and their children Richard and Alison. Her graciousness and laughter will be missed by family and many friends. Mary was a person who always gave to others, and she requested, in lieu of flowers, that a contribution be made to the Children's Cancer Center at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 2701 N. 16th St., Phx, Az., 85006. Services will be held Saturday, March 1st, 2003, at 12:00 noon, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. 7th St., Phx. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.