In Loving Memory
Jeffrey Scott Swartzentruber
August 4, 1962 - November 15, 2025 Shelbyville, Kentucky
SWARTZENTRUBER, Jeffrey “Jeff”, 63, died on Saturday, November 15, surrounded by loved ones.
Jeff was preceded in death by his son, Timothy David Swartzentruber; his daughter, Angela Rose Swartzentruber; and his mother, Marilyn Swartzentruber.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11am (Eastern)
Saturday, December 6, 2025
River City Hope Church
12320 Ridgemont Road
Louisville, KY 40229
Memorial Service Live-stream Links:
River City Hope Church | YouTube
River City Hope Church | Facebook
Jeff met his wife Mary Kay in 1980 at Southern Oregon State College (now Southern Oregon University), where he received a swimming scholarship and earned two degrees: one in Chemistry and one in business. After Jeff and Mary Kay married in 1982, he began his career at the Medite Corporation in Medford, Oregon. Jeff retired from Bakelite Synthetics in 2024 as Senior Manager of Product Stewardship. Jeff lived all over the country, notably Tillamook, Oregon, where he graduated from High School (1980); Ashland, OR, where all of his children were born; Las Vegas, NM; Goshen, KY; & Shelbyville, KY.
He loved to see the world, traveling for work and pleasure, including: waterfalls in Brazil, his son’s college football game in London, his son studying abroad in Germany, national parks, and hiking state high points with his sons. Family was very important to him, so much so that he eagerly embarked on cross-country road trips for reunions and holiday visits.
Jeff was a man of deep faith and a long-time member of the Nazarene Church, especially Ashland Church of the Nazarene in Oregon; South Oldham Church of the Nazarene in Kentucky; and River City Hope Church in Kentucky. He was a committed leader with a servant’s heart, serving as treasurer, audio/visual technician, adult Sunday school teacher, children’s bible quizzing instructor, and so many other things behind the scenes. He practiced a faith that was looking outward to help others, from a mission trip in Tanzania to providing groceries monthly for the Louisville community.
Jeff proudly passed on his life-long love of the Oregon Ducks to his sons (quack!), taking them to football games and a sweet sixteen basketball game. He showed up to support his grandchildren, whom he adored (and chauffeured gladly), attending birthday parties, dance recitals, soccer games, musicals, and swim lessons.
He will be missed by many, and is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary Kay Swartzentruber; his father, Robert “Bob” Swartzentruber (Faye); his brothers Greg (Debbie) Swartzentruber, Brad (Tanya) Swartzentruber, and Brent Swartzentruber; two sons Michael and Phillip (Shannon) Swartzentruber; and five precious grandchildren, Bailey, Liam, Haley, Caleb, and Logan.
A memorial service is planned for Sat., Dec. 6, 2025, 11 AM at River City Hope Church of the Nazarene, 12320 Ridgemont Road, Louisville, KY 40229.
The memorial service will be live-streamed on the church’s social media accounts:
River City Hope Church | Youtube
River City Hope Church | Facebook
Donations to establish an Endowment Fund at River City Hope Church would be greatly appreciated. Your contribution to the Jeff Swartzentruber Endowment Fund can be sent to River City Hope Church by check or online gift with a memo / description reading: “Endowment Fund.”
Mail To: River City Hope Church, 12320 Ridgemont Road, Louisville, KY 40229.
Click Here to give safely & securely online.
I met Jeff about the same time he met MaryKay. In Ashland at Southern Oregon State College. It was easy to see the love that they had for each other. Jeff was a quiet but funny guy who loved life and those around him. We didn’t stay in touch as I lived in Connecticut with a wife I met At SOSC. Life sometimes gets in the way!!! I followed MaryKay and Jeff on Facebook and enjoyed their posts over the years. I know Jeff is in the arms of his savior and everyday his ambition is watching over his wife and family.
Two things were obviously clear about Jeff. He loved God and he loved people! He loved his brother as himself! He was humble and not desiring of recognition but only wanted to serve. Although I hadn’t had the good fortune to have known him as long as many. I grew to appreciate him in the short time that I knew him. I still miss looking to my right on Sunday mornings and seeing his hands in the air and his eyes looking up. As we all praised our Lord as one! I will miss him!
Jeff was always welcoming and had such a servant’s heart. He was a very special friend who always took time to see how we were doing. Jeff loved the Word and had such a great perspective when we were studying together. He was also very in tune to what others were trying to say and he was able to articulate thoughts and ideas that others couldn’t quite verbalize. He loved the Lord and he loved his family, friends, and his church. He is so missed by all of us, but we know he is with our Lord and Savior and we will see him again.
We have been beyond blessed to have Jeff in our lives. He was our friend and brother. Jeff set an example in living Christ-like that encouraged everyone around him to do the same! We miss him so much already, and I look forward to reuniting with Jeff around the throne of God to worship forever our King and Savior Jesus Christ! We love you forever Jeff!
Jeff served with a heart that never asked to be noticed and never needed applause. He simply showed up—faithfully, quietly, consistently—year after year. He had a way of seeing what needed to be done and stepping into it before anyone else even realized it. That was his ministry: humble, steady, generous, and full of love.
When we think of Jeff, we think of a man who gave himself away for the sake of others. He carried a servant’s heart in everything he did—whether he was fixing, building, listening, praying, or just standing beside someone who needed strength and encouragement. His life was a living picture of Jesus’ words, “Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.”
We are better because we got to serve with him. We are stronger because of his example. And the Kingdom is richer because of the countless moments he offered with open hands and a willing spirit. He has always been passionate about sharing with others about how Jesus had changed his life -- and the urgency of helping others discover the eternal freedom he had found in Jesus.
Jeff loved well. He served well. And he finished well.
As not only his pastor, but a close friend, I am already missing him deeply. But we honor the legacy he leaves in us—one of quiet faithfulness, steadfast love, and a heart fully given to God and His people.
Jeff never complained as we pulled up the carpet (6,000 sq. ft), cleaned and painted the floors as part of the remodeling in our sanctuary!