Eleanor Virginia Swaim

Eleanor Virginia Ruth Swaim, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, November 23, 2025. She was a long-time resident at Salemtowne Retirement Community in Winston-Salem.

Eleanor was born on March 27, 1929, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, located in the Lehigh Valley Region of Eastern Pennsylvania.

Eleanor met her future husband, Lewis B. Swaim, while he was studying at the Moravian College and Seminary in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Lewis and Eleanor married on June 6, 1953. They then moved to North Carolina, initially settling outside of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. They both served the Moravian Church with distinction and service to its mission, which included moving to several different ministry locations before returning to Winston-Salem.

In addition to being a beloved wife and mother, Eleanor worked for the Child Advocacy Commission in Wilmington, North Carolina, in the early 1980s. She was also an accomplished musician, playing the marimba and singing.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Lewis B. Swaim; mother, Dorothy (Frankenfield) Ruth; father, William Ruth; and brother, William Ruth.

She is survived by her two sons, Bruce A. Swaim of Maryland, and Steven M. Swaim of North Carolina; her grandson, Alex Swaim (Caitlin); and great-grandsons, Adam A. Swaim, and Ian D. Swaim of Maryland.

Per Eleanor’s wishes, a private graveside burial service is planned.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is respectfully serving the family.