Glenda Swafford

LOWNDES, Mo. — Glenda Mae Swafford of Lowndes died Monday, March 13, 2023, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau after a brief illness.

She was born Jan. 2, 1931, in Lilbourn, Missouri, to parents Louis Van and Lula Croell Barks.

Glenda was a loving mother and grandmother. After graduating from Greenville (Missouri) High School, she attended and graduated from Brown's Business College in St. Louis, acquiring the skills to later work in office environments from schools to churches to law firms.

She married Herman Swafford on Nov. 5, 1949, and they were blessed with two children. Glenda was also blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law, Alta Swafford, a relationship she cherished. Glenda and Herman were always active in their community, both serving as leaders at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau and later at Grace United Methodist Church in Greenville.

Among her loves with Herman were square dancing, which took them many places; playing bridge; entertaining; and then an ideal decade spending warm winters in Florida. While there, she trained in oil painting, creating many beautiful works. Her last years were spent on the farm in Lowndes, where she relied on a network of wonderful friends who checked in with her and came to her aid when needed. The family would especially like to thank lifelong friends David Crites and Jeanette Ward.

In addition to her parents, Glenda was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years.

Glenda is survived by her children, Martha Hauck and husband, Walter, of St. Louis and Steve Swafford and wife, DeLana, of Cape Girardeau; grandchildren, Jacob Hauck and wife, Megan, Caleb Hauck and companion, Elizabeth, Emily Swafford and companion, Taylor, and Jack Swafford and companion, Alissa; and great-grandchild, Iris Hauck. She will be greatly missed by her community, family and friends.

At Glenda's request, a private graveside service was held at Crossroads Cemetery at Shook, Missouri.

Ruegg Funeral Homes in Piedmont, Missouri, was in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com.