Mary Martha Swingle Unekis

Mary Martha (Swingle) Unekis, 82, of Columbia, SC passed on November 11, 2025. She was affectionately known as Tootsie to family. She was born June 6, 1943 to Leroy and Ruth (Gressmire) Swingle, Jr. in Eugene, IN.

She married John Unekis on December 31, 1966 in Danville, IL and they raised two sons, Stephen and David, in Catlin, IL.

Mary graduated from Perrysville High School in Perrysville, IN. She worked at businesses in Chicago and at TeePak in Danville, IL. After moving to Columbia, SC she worked for State Farm Insurance for several years.

Mary enjoyed travel with her husband and was active working with ceramics. She enjoyed giving pieces of her work to family and friends. She also enjoyed crocheting and was proficient at making many beautiful afghans that were highly prized by those that received them as gifts. Mary was very fond of Boston Terriers that were in the family over the years and each was always her “puppy”.

Mary is survived by her husband of 58 years, John Unekis; her sons, Stephen (Christina Allen) of Columbia, SC and David (Jennifer Boice) of Florence, SC;  grandchildren, Alexa Renea, Reed Stone, and Joshua Tyler; sisters, Shirley Wood, Charlotte Dowers, Jane (Jim) Brown, and Roberta (Kevin) Gallagher; several nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and a great-grand nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Charles.

A short memorial service will be held 3:00 pm Sunday, November 23, at Barr-Price Funeral Home, 609 Northwood Road, Lexington, SC. Internment will take place at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery in Danville, IL.

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