Carla J. Swartzentruber

Carla J. Swartzentruber, 61, of Odon, Indiana, went to be with the Lord, with family by her side on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at her home. She was born on March 11, 1962 in Rochester, New York to Carlton Smith and Leah (Ferguson) Layton. Carla married the love of her life, Stephen Swartzentruber, on April 3, 1982.

Carla was a member of the Odon Christian Church where she sang in the praise band, helped with VBS and Sunday School. She also led a program for teen girls called “Passion For Purity”.  She worked many years as a bookkeeper. Carla and Steve adopted Mitchel Ray and Cyla Ranae and were parents to so many others through the course of their marriage. Some of the people that she was a mother to over the years include Teresa Evans (and son Ryder), Kim Vaught, Samiko Detweiler, Faith Toledo, and Precious Gregg. She helped so many other young ladies find their way over the years and was always available to listen to whoever had a need. She was passionate about helping people and loving people. Her main hobby the last 10 years was loving and caring for her grandchildren, Kyrin, Kadyn and Kinley.

Family left to cherish the memory of Carla include her husband, Steve Swartzentruber; her mother, Leah Layton; one brother, Matt Layton; three sisters, Paula (Jim) Gingerich, Pam (Richard) Gluck and Susan (Chris) Huelsman; several nieces and nephews.

Carla was preceded in death by her father, her ‘dad’, Tom Layton and five precious children that she miscarried.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Odon Christian Church with Micah Stephen officiating. Carla will be laid to rest in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Odon.  

Family and friends may call from 12 Noon until 8:00 PM on Wednesday and from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 10:00 AM on Thursday at the church.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.mengfuneralhome.com.