Beverly Jean (Gregg) Swope

Beverly Swope, age 86, who, with her husband, Jack, promoted economic and cultural enrichment in their adopted town of St. Ignace, Michigan, for nearly four decades, died at her home on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Beverly Jean (Gregg) Swope was born on August 12, 1939, in Albion, Michigan, to Robert and Margaret (Conley) Gregg. She grew up in Homer and graduated from Homer High School, after which she worked for a time as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell. She then began a career in bookkeeping with State Farm Insurance in nearby Marshall. The Swopes made a positive impact in the community, operating businesses, organizing community events, promoting philanthropy and healthcare, and helping individuals and families in need. An excellent bowler, Bev met Jack Gilbert Swope at the M-60 Bowling Alley in Homer. They were married on December 4, 1970, at their farmhouse and resided in Homer until moving to St. Ignace in 1976. Prior to their marriage, Jack had started a packaging business in Marshall called Rennco Inc., named after his father. Beverly later joined the company as its bookkeeper and contributed her help with anything needed. The business was moved to Homer in 1972, and Bev retired in 1976 but continued to support her husband’s work for many years. After moving north, Jack moved a Rennco machine development operation to St. Ignace while continuing the main operations in Homer. He semi-retired in 1987 and sold the business in 2000. While in St. Ignace, the Swopes also owned and operated the Harbor Light Motel, Marina Pub restaurant, a Radio Shack and boat supply store, and Budget Host Inn, which was later sold to their son, David. Beverly enjoyed socializing, and friends remember her generous heart and warm hospitality, and her kindness and love of people. A friend was quoted as saying, “Beverly was a great entertainer and an excellent cook, and she had a knack for making everyone welcome. That was her expertise.” Another friend also remembered them fondly and noted, “They loved life, and they really liked each other. They would sometimes dance into the night, alone together at their home.” The Swopes also enjoyed helping to organize community parties to benefit a variety of programs. Early celebrations would be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall housed in the former LaSalle schoolhouse and would later take place at Little Bear East. Some very close friends were also active in community enrichment, and they recall the fun they had with the Swopes helping to organize the Chamber of Commerce New Year’s Eve celebration in 1999, a semi-formal ball to usher in the Millennial. While Beverly especially loved cooking, she also enjoyed crocheting and knitting and was a prolific sender of greeting cards for all occasions. She enjoyed word games and jigsaw puzzles and had fun playing Yahtzee and euchre. She loved traveling across the United States in their motor home, vacations to Australia and England, and spending time in Florida and South Carolina entertaining friends and family. She also loved nature and Upper Peninsula winters and was glad to experience the beautiful snowfalls this year. Above all, she cherished her family and especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and adored her dog, CeCe. She was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church and St. Anne Altar Society in St. Ignace and of the Hospital Auxiliary at Mackinac Straits Health System. Beverly is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David (Lisa) Swope; grandchildren, Corey (Emily) Swope and Chelsea (Jon) Gwizdala; and great-granddaughters, Sadie and Sutton. Jack Swope passed away on June 27, 2012. Beverly was also preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret Gregg; and her brother, David Gregg. A private family graveside service will be held in the spring. Beverly’s final resting place will be at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Cemetery in St. Ignace. Memorial contributions in Beverly’s honor may be made to the Swope Family Fund at the St. Ignace Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 88, St. Ignace, MI 49781, or Mackinac Straits Health System, 1140 North State Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com. Obituary as submitted by family.

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Beverly Jean (Gregg) Swope

August 12, 1939 - February 7, 2026