Diana Carol Swinehart

Diana Carol Swinehart 82 of Lancaster, Ohio, a dedicated mother, pioneering businesswoman, and beloved "GG," passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026 at her residence, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and family.

She was born in Zanesville, Ohio on September 1, 1943 to the late Francis “Frank” Aloysius and Marian E. Emmert. She was a member of the first graduating class at Sheridan High School, Thornville in 1961.

For many years, Diana was a staple of the community’s professional life. An accomplished hairdresser, she successfully owned and operated her own hair salons before later bringing her talents to the JCPenney Hair Salon, from which she retired. Her career was defined not just by her skill, but by the relationships she built with her clients over the styling chair.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Diana lived her life as a reflection of its social teachings. Whether as a mother or a socially conscious citizen, she led with a caring heart and an independent spirit. In her later years, she found great joy in the digital world, fully embracing technology to stay connected with those she loved.

Diana was a woman of many passions. She was a proud member of the F.O.E. Auxillary #2120 and a devoted fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. She was happiest when her home was full—whether hosting holiday gatherings, intense euchre parties, or quiet afternoons spent building puzzles and reading. She had a keen eye for the world around her and a lifelong love for shopping, traveling and family games.

Above all, Diana’s greatest treasure was her family. She was a constant presence at her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, cheering them on in every endeavor. She was blessed to see her legacy grow, earning the cherished titles of "G-ma" and "GG."

Diana is survived by her children, Daphne Miller of St. Bernard, Douglas (Toni) Keister of New York, Wendy Painter of Lancaster and Matthew (Staci Cain) Keister of Thornville; step-children, Lisa (Dave) Bennion of Portugal and Christy (Rodney) Gutridge of Thornville; grandchildren, Narcissa (Marcus) Zeek, Terri Rivers, Regina (Dell) Olley, Amanda (Nick) Bova, Makayla Lynn Keister, Makenzie (Conner) Wooten, Catherine (Justin) Lueckel, Seth Painter, Scottie (Rachael Wylie) Painter, Corey Keister, Keven (Freedom) Keister, Nicholas Metzger, Holly Lash, Charlee & Christopher Gutridge; great grandchildren, Ryleigh, Carter, Kennedy Zeek, Charlotte, Crue, Chance Miller, Aria, Zoe, Liliana, & Sylvie Bova, Caroline Wooten, Brittany Olley, Kylie (Miguel) Olmedo-Orea, Paige Olley, Zachary Sefcik, Gabriel & Madelyn Lueckel, Mallory, Aubree & Paulette Painter, Brody, Bailee & Harper Painter, Kael, Farrah & Nakoa Keister and great-great grandchildren, Chloe, MaryLeigh, Violet; Diana’s last baby known as her little clown Phoebe; brother, Edward A. Emmert of Hebron, special aunt, Julia Allan of New Lexington and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Swinehart, sister and brother-in-law, Fran and Paul Isaacs, sister-in-law, Vicki Emmert, parents, grandson, Conrad Miller and son-in-law, Bart Miller.

Funeral Liturgy will be held Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Chapel, 405 N. Columbus St., Lancaster, Ohio 43130, with Deacon Frank Sullivan. Caring Cremation® to follow the service.

Friends may visit before sending her on this new journey from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Diana’s name to The Lighthouse (Domestic Violence Shelter of Fairfield County). Contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 215, Lancaster, OH 43130, or made online at www.lancasterlh.org