Bethanne Schwenk

The family of Bethanne Schwenk is sad to announce her passing on August 8, 2026, two months shy of her 100th birthday.

She was born Elizabeth Anne Hayes in Cleveland, Ohio on October 16, 1926 to Lewis and Nerissa Hayes. Bethanne was valedictorian of North Olmsted High School class of 1944 and graduated from Baldwin Wallace University in 1948. At B-W, she was a member of Alpha-Gamma Delta sorority, president of student council and the queen of the college newspaper. She married her college sweetheart, Donald Schwenk, in 1948. Bethanne worked several years after college for NASA. During her lifetime she volunteered at Medina Hospital, Willard Hospital and 20 years at Community Services Center of Medina. She was president of the League of Women Voters and an officer for Circle of Friends. Genealogy was her passion and she researched ancestors of both her and Don's family. She was a member of genealogical societies in Huron and Medina Counties, and the DAR. Family members were proved to be early settlers of Ohio. Bethanne loved travel, puzzles, gardening, and steamboating.

She will be mourned by her children, Donna (Marc) Melrose of Minneapolis, MN, Alan (Daize) Schwenk of Arlington, Texas, Carrie Schwenk of Medina, and Paul Schwenk of Columbus; grandchildren, John (Erin) Melrose of Buena Vista, Colorado, Andrew (Molly) Winkler of Medina, Amie (Jair) Laureano of Guadalajara MX, Ross (Kaelyn) Winkler of Akron, Alanna and Carolanne Schwenk of Arlington, Texas, and Brandon Schwenk of Loveland, Colorado; great-grandchildren, Mabel and Leland Melrose, Oliver, Dane and Andie Winkler, and Asher Laureano; sister-in-law, Betsey Hiller of Medina.

Preceding Bethanne in death was her husband, Don; brother, Bill; and her parents.

Bethanne will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and love of family.

Private family services will be held, with burial at Wakeman Cemetery, Huron County, Ohio.