Florence E. Crites' Obituary
Florence Elizabeth (Vance) Swind Crites, age 91 of Clearwater, FL, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on December 6, 1934 on a farm in Ashland County, Ohio. She helped her dad with the chores, trapped muskrats, helped feed the farm animals, and learned how to cook and sew. She graduated in a class of 12 from Ruggles Troy High School, met the first love of her life at a school dance, and married Dick that same year. They had four children together. She was a dedicated stay-at-home mom and took her children to church every Sunday. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Mansfield, where she taught children’s Sunday school. She learned to golf to spend more time with Dick, and together they were a tough team to beat.
She later married Jim, and they attended New Philadelphia United Methodist Church and United Methodist Church of Clearwater, FL, singing in the church choirs and playing the bells. Country music was a big part of their lives, and they learned how to line dance and two-step. They enjoyed researching their ancestors, travelling, and visiting family and friends along the way.
Flo went to her family and class reunions every year. Everyone gathered around her to hear her many funny stories. She was fun-loving and often the center of attention. Laughter could be heard wherever she went. She was the kind of mom everyone wished they had, and to this day many childhood and adult friends considered her their second mom.
Some of her favorite things to do were to play cards and games, grow flowers, make crafts, and sunbathe. She had a gift for making everyone feel special. She was Florence, Flo, Flossy, Mom, Momma, Grandma, Grammy, Grammy Grams, Sassy Pants, and Great Grandmama to all.
Florence is survived by her four children, Susan (James) Griswold, Steven Swind, Shirley (Allen) Au, Scott (Emily) Swind; eight grandchildren Julie (Pete) Billing, Nikki (Trevor) Haughey, Mindy (Phil) Hubert; Nick Orton, Jake (Erin) Orton, Casey (Melissa) Orton; Gracie Swind, Jack Swind; 12 great-grandchildren, Nicole, Kevin, Katie, Willie, Lulu, Collin, Olivia, Allison, Emmett, Carter, Davis, Chase; and one great great-grandson, Beckham.
Florence was preceded in death by husbands Richard (Dick) A. Swind and T. James (Jim) Crites, parents George & Deloris Vance, sisters Judy Miller and Jane Banfy, and brother Andrew Vance.
Florida calling hours are from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Moss Feaster Funeral Home and Cremation, 693 S Belcher Road, Clearwater on Friday, April 17th.
Ohio calling hours will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24th at Heyl Funeral Home, 227 Broad St., Ashland, Ohio, with funeral services directly following.
In lieu of flowers, spend the day with your mom or loved one, and cherish each and every moment. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
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