With deep gratitude for a life marked by faith and devotion, we announce the homegoing of Phyllis (Volk) Swackhamer – 79 – a faithful servant of the Lord, who passed away on April 8, 2026, following a brief illness.
Phyllis lived her life with a clear and faithful purpose—to please the Lord first, and then to lovingly care for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her devotion to her family was evident in every moment she spent supporting, encouraging, and nurturing them. She found great joy in her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother, and was recently blessed with the arrival of a great-grandson. Later in life, Phyllis faced the challenges of dementia with remarkable grace. Despite the difficulties, she remained cheerful and active, continuing to brighten the lives of those around her.
Born on September 21, 1946 in Fillmore, New York, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Nathan & Jean (Beradslee) Volk. She grew up in Fillmore and graduated from Fillmore High School (class of 1964). On December 28, 1968, Phyllis married the love of her life, Gary Swackhamer. Their wedding came together in just a few days after Gary was drafted into the Army. Phyllis desired to begin their life together and quickly planned the wedding so she could accompany him to Germany. They were married for 58 years.
For many years, Phyllis worked alongside her husband at Swackhamer’s Greenhouses. In her late 30s, she decided to open a flower shop. She and her husband, Gary, opened Swackhamer’s Florist, and she attended Alfred State College to study floral design. Twenty years later, she chose to close the flower shop so she could devote more of her time to her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.
She was a longtime and active member of Hillside Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in many capacities throughout her life. Her deep faith was evident in her service and her love for her Lord and for others.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Jack Volk, Gerald Volk, and Phillip Volk (her twin), and her parents, Nathan and Jean (Beardslee) Volk.
Phyllis is survived by her beloved husband, Gary Swackhamer; her daughters, Tonya (David) James of Northborough, Massachusetts, and Teresa “Tracy” Howard of Hornell, New York; her sister, Judy (Richard) Heers, Immokalee, FL. She had three sisters-in-law that she considered more like sisters: Peggy Lynn Plank, of Hornell, NY, Cheryl Volk of Warsaw, NY and Shirly Volk of Sebastian, FL. She also leaves behind her seven grandchildren: Maxwell, Travis, Tessa, Logan (Hannah), Avery, Maris, Tytus, one great-grandson, David; and many loved ones who will miss her dearly.
The family of Phyllis K. Swackhamer will receive friends at Hillside Baptist Church on Saturday, April 18th from 3:00 – 4:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 4:00 PM. Pastor Craig Brittingham will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Phyllis’ family request that memorial contributions in her name may be made to Hillside Baptist Church, 805 County Route 66, Hornell, NY, 14843.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
