Wilda Jannette McHargue Scalf Swale

Wilda Jannette McHargue Scalf Swale, age 86, passed away peacefully in her home September 2, 2025, under the tenderhearted, loving care of Shalom Hospice. She was born August 12, 1939, to Alice Mae (Vaughn) McHargue and Dewey Taylor McHargue, at home in Spickard, MO. She was welcomed in the home by twins Wilma Jean & Wanda Joan, and William John.

Jannette lived life just as she played basketball, with adventure and determination. She graduated from Spickard High School with many accolades of her basketball skills. After raising her children, Juanita Scalf Gemmer and Steven Taylor Scalf, she left her office managerial job at ABF to attend Missouri Western State University earning a bachelor degree in teaching. Her love of travel sent her to Mexico City, Mexico, while attending college. After graduation, she and her husband of 39 years, Benjamin T. Swale, spent many hours planning and taking trips. She has been to all 50 U.S. states and many foreign countries. She visited France, England, Austria, and Germany. Her adventures included cruising the Caribbean…Puerto Rico, Bahamas, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

After the passing of her husband, Jannette worked at Kohl’s in Liberty, MO. There was never any grass growing under her feet. She was a “let’s go somewhere” lady.

She was a member of Kearney First United Methodist Church, where she would use her beautiful alto voice in the choir. Since moving in with her daughter & son-in-law, she attended= Raytown First Assembly of God.

She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; where she was affectionally given the nickname GGma. She spent many hours at ballgames, recitals, and talking with the “grands” and “g-gs”. She was part of every celebration, game night, and family gatherings. She will be deeply missed by immediate family: Juanita Joan (Mark) Gemmer; Ashlee Winter (Jason) Redmond, their children Ezabella Winter, Anissah Rose, Jasen Robert Elliott, & Kattianah Savannah; Dustin Charles (Kim) Gemmer, their children Clayton John, David Gilman, Mya Gilman, & Reyna Jackson; Benjamin John (Michelle) Gemmer & daughter Monroe Claire; Cassandra Alise (Brint) Hutchison, their children Grace Alexandria Renee Scalf Busch, Arielle Marie, Trinity Rayne, & Malachi James; and Kyra Angelique Scalf; as well as nieces Janet McKinney, TX; Tana (Clemmie) Payne, TX; and Tammy (Bruce) John, VA; and nephews Joel McKinney (Leah), TX; John (Deb) McKinney, IL; Rev. Jeff McKinney, TX; Bill (Mary Anne) Barton, MO; William McHargue, Jr. (AZ); and great-nephew Jamie (Julia) McKinney.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings (including stillborn baby brother Eddie Joe), Steven T. Scalf (son), and Brenda Barton Trisler(niece).

Per her wishes, cremation is being handled by Heartland Cremation & Burial. A private family graveside service is planned for September 28, 2025, 1 pm, at Mt. Olivet in Kearney, MO, with Rev. Jeff McKinney officiating.