Janet Sue Swisher

Janet Sue Mongold Swisher, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went home on February 17, 2025 at the age of 95. Born in Dorcas, West Virginia to Guy and Janet Mongold, she was raised on her family’s farm where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and compassion - qualities that would define her throughout her life.

Among her greatest joys in life were her five children, eleven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her family. She was always present, a steady guiding force - offering a listening ear, a comforting shoulder, and wise counsel whenever needed.

She met her life partner and husband, Isaac “Ike” Swisher while attending Potomac State College. Married August 6, 1950 they built a life filled with love, faith, and devotion to family. As an adult she was known by Ike’s nickname, Susie, but in later years she asked to be called Janet Sue. Together, they raised their family with the same strong values Janet Sue learned in her youth.

Janet Sue worked part-time off and on as a medical secretary for two physicians and an antique dealer during the years her children were growing up. After their youngest sons graduated from college in 1982, Janet Sue and Ike started a business with Ken and Chuck, proudly opening and operating two successful Mexican restaurants in Austin, Texas. Their passion for hospitality and exceptional cooking made La Morada - Spanish for “home” - a beloved community staple for 31 years. Through hard work and dedication, they built more than just restaurants; they created gathering places filled with warmth, laughter, and good food, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who walked through their doors.

Janet Sue was a woman of many talents. From an early age, she excelled in numerous skills beyond the everyday demands of farm life. She was an award-winning seamstress and cook, and her creativity and dedication shone in everything she did. Whether through the warmth of a homemade meal, the careful stitching of a handmade garment, or the simple act of always being there for those she loved, Janet Sue made the world around her a more beautiful and loving place.

Janet Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Ike, her two brothers and three sisters-in-law. She leaves behind a large and loving family, including: Daughter Diane McGregor (Keith), Sons: Earl Swisher (Karen), Richard “Rick” Swisher (Gail), Kenneth “Ken” Swisher (Pam), and Charles “Chuck” Swisher (Kristin). Grandchildren: Rebecca Kopelman (Roni), Elliott Richards (Kim), Lauren DiLivio (Oliver), Alex Richards (Danielle), Sarah Bates (Ellett), Ian McGregor (Allison), Ryan Swisher (Sarah), Ben Swisher, Erin Bunn (Travis), Sam Swisher (Gillian), Piper Swisher. Great-grandchildren: Asher & Caroline Kopelman, Landon, Sydney, Charlotte, Theodore, Jane & Wells Richards, James Bates, Stanton & Maeve McGregor, Elizabeth & Emma DiLivio, and Charlie Swisher.

Janet Sue’s legacy is one of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to family. She touched countless lives with her kindness and wisdom, and while she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A celebration of her life will be held this fall at the chapel and family cemetery in Dorcas, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Elkhorn Chapel (formerly known as Sites Chapel) at 2424 Elkhorn Road, Petersburg, WV 26847.