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Phyllis “Suzie” Gutknecht, 70 of Jefferson Twp, passed away peacefully and went home with our Lord and Savior on July 27, 2020. Her husband of 49 years is Michael Gutknecht of Jefferson Twp.

Born in Peckville, Pa and raised on the family farm in Jefferson Twp., Pa. She is the daughter of the late Harry and Phyllis Swoyer. She was a graduate of Lake Consolidated School in Lake Ariel and furthered her education at the Mercy School of Nursing earning her LPN. Prior to retirement, she was a dedicated scrub nurse an Operating Room teacher to many nursing students. She taught a trick or two to new surgeons at the Regional Hospital of Scranton. She was a member of the Cortez United Methodist Church, Cortez.

She was an avid reader of romance novels and enjoyed hunting deer with her husband, rabbit hunting with their beloved beagles, and fishing on Lake Ontario. She is especially known for her love of Turkey hunting. Those close to her will recall her hooting and hollering as she did her funny happy dance every time she bagged the big one. In addition to her outdoor activities, she loved to bake, fall harvest canning, planting a new species of bulbs for spring, and cooking large holiday meals. She had a gift of song that everyone stopped to pay attention to and could out dance everyone at a wedding reception. She loved holidays, especially Halloween when she could wear her favorite witching attire.

Also surviving are daughters Michelle Gilchrist and her husband Donald and their children Alesha, Amanda, and Frank all of Jefferson Twp, and Karen Thomas and her husband Eric and their daughter Olivia of Falls; sisters Dorothy Peet of Tunkhannock and Nancy Edwards of Hamlin; sister’s-in-law Connie Swoyer of Limerick, Pa and Linda Gulbin and her husband Vincent of Scranton; nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her sister Joan Jones and brother Harry “Hack” Swoyer.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of James Wilson Funeral Home, Lake Ariel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to: The Florence Swoyer Music Scholarship Fund. Mail the check to: Clayton Park, 26 Eagle Eye Dr, Lake Ariel, Pa 18436

To share a memory or to leave your condolence for the family please visit www.jameswilsonfuneralhome.com