Judy Elizabeth McElhattan Switzer
Judy Elizabeth McElhattan Switzer, of Knox, PA, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, following a long and deteriorating battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born in July 1939, the youngest of eight children born to Ward and Beulah Mae (Van Guilder) McElhattan of St. Petersburg, PA.
Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Theodore K. (Ted) Switzer, in January 2022. She was also preceded in death by all of her siblings: Earl L. McElhattan (Vi) of Akron, Ohio; Raymond L. McElhattan (Ruth) of Punxsutawney, PA; Joe F. McElhattan (Barbara) of Emlenton, PA; Thomas Ward McElhattan; Beatrice M. (McElhattan) Longnaker of Sharon, PA; Nancy M. (McElhattan) Barnes (Tom) of Glenshaw, PA; and Betty Ann (Sprink) (McElhattan) Randolph (Robert) of Mount Lebanon, PA. Judy leaves behind more than 29 nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.
She is survived by her two children, Robin Lynn (Switzer) Hanna and her husband, Joe, of Harrisville, PA, and Dr. Theodore Scott Switzer of St. Petersburg, FL.
Judy was a proud grandmother to four grandchildren: Elizabeth Mae Renfrew of Penn Hills, PA; Benjamin HD Renfrew of Harrisville, PA; Dr. Ethan M. Renfrew and his wife, Christina, of Tucson, AZ; and Dylan James Renfrew and his wife, Jordan, of Polk, PA. She adored her grandchildren, and some of their fondest memories were of wiener roasts with Mama and Pa at their home in Knox.
She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Shaeleyne Amsler, Zoe Crosgrove, Carter Crosgrove, Gabriel Renfrew, Xavier Crosgrove, Colden Renfrew, Sawyer Renfrew, Jasper Renfrew, Maci Renfrew, and Mabel Renfrew.
Judy was a wonderful homemaker whose greatest joys were found in caring for her family and doing thoughtful things for others. She loved to bake, filling her home with the wonderful smells of cinnamon rolls, homemade bread, "dirty buns," and all kinds of cookies. She was especially well known for her sugar cookies. At Christmas, Judy and Ted made pounds and pounds of hard tack candy, which they happily sold or shared with family, friends, and anyone who could use a little sweetness.
Judy had a special gift for making people feel remembered. One of her favorite things was writing letters, and she loved sending cards to friends who were sick or in the hospital. She also enjoyed putting together “care packages” for servicemen she knew. Her kindness reached far beyond her own family, and her thoughtfulness touched many lives.
Although Alzheimer’s gradually took away many of the things Judy once enjoyed and changed the way she experienced the world, it could not erase the love she had given or the memories she created. Her family will remember the woman she was—the loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, homemaker, baker, letter writer, and friend whose generous heart made others feel cared for and remembered.
Judy’s family is grateful for the years they shared with her and for the many memories that remain. Her home, her kitchen, her handwritten letters, her sugar cookies, Christmas candy, and especially the time spent together as a family will continue to keep her memory alive.
The family will hold a memorial service on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Chapel on the Hill, 6202 Emlenton Clintonville Rd, Emlenton, PA 16373, at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to honor Judy’s memory do so by reaching out to someone who is sick or alone, sending a card, sharing a homemade treat, or simply doing something kind for someone else—just as Judy did throughout her life.
To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.mcentire-weaverfuneralhome.com
