Sally Schwaninger

(From Midland Cremation Society)

Sallie Anne (Ulmer) Schwaninger, age 66, passed away Friday, December 23, 2022 after a battle with cancer.

Born in Jasper County, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Lois (Irwin) Ulmer. She graduated from Carl Junction High School and later from Missouri Southern State College with her teaching degree. She lived in Tulsa, OK while raising her children and was an avid volunteer for over 40 years throughout their schools. She received numerous awards for her devotion to the schools.

She was a teacher of all things nature; she loved fishing and gardening. She enjoyed listening to music specifically Elvis, Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly, and many other gospel, country and bluegrass musicians. She took the time to notice and appreciate everything about her world. She took delight in watching the morning sunrise, listening to birds chirping outside her window, identifying insects, plants and critters.

She was a loving mother, caring big sister, wonderful friend, devoted grandma and patient aunt. Her family has such vivid and precious memories of her teaching them how to cook, making cookies, tending a garden, mowing a yard, cleaning a house, helping others, doing the dirty jobs of life and mentoring them through all life's experiences. 

She always wanted to see her family happy and thriving. She always had time to listen and loved to go for drives around the countryside with her siblings, grandkids or friends. She lived a Godly Christian life. She showed unconditional love to all who she met whether a inquisitive toddler, frustrated student or any child in her care. 

She has left a legacy of love, service, growth, understanding, humor, hard work, responsibility, trustworthiness, kindness, curiosity, awe and wonder, brilliance, delight, faithfulness, resilience, sensitivity, warmth, hospitality, reliability, persistence, and determination.

She is survived by two daughters Kimberly Long of Siloam Springs, AR and Nola Mwai (Bernard) of Carl Junction and one son Paul Schwaninger of Tulsa, OK. Grandchildren Nathanael Long, Keondre Westbrook, Stewart Schwaninger, Ian Schwaninger, Adrian Mwai, Zion Mwai, Vivian Mwai, Adam Weaver, Alex Weaver, Kaily Henson, Gabriella Schwaninger, and Bentley Schwaninger. Brother Greg Ulmer (Norma) of Asbury and sisters Gail Olson (Bill) of Carl Junction and Janet Maddox (David) of Von Ormy, TX. Numerous nieces and nephews that loved her dearly.

A celebration of Sallie's life will be held Tuesday December 27Th @ 11:00am at Pleasant Hill Country Church 26000 Locust Road, Webb City, MO 64870 where she was a member.