Shirley Ruth Swift

Shirley Ruth (Monroe) Swift, born January 2, 1945, in Long Beach, California, was the youngest of four children of Claude Neal Monroe and Winnie Audrey West. Shirley entered into heaven on September 11, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Shirley grew up a bright and spirited child, full of energy and enthusiasm. She pursued her passion for beauty, completing beauty school and renewed her beauty license to get discounts until she stopped dying her hair.

When asked about her career, Shirley’s answer was always: mom and homemaker. Nothing brought her more joy than raising her children and, later, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the loves of her life.

She surrounded herself with the things that made her happy; she loved yellow roses and tulips; cheering on the Seattle Seahawks; enjoying a meal at Wienerschnitzel or her favorite Mexican food and never missing an episode of Days of Our Lives. Shirley loved to crochet, kept her hair beautifully colored and styled.

Shirley was honest to a fault, speaking with a bluntness that sometimes embarrassed her children—but it was part of her charm. She was fun-loving and full of spirit, the life of the party, and people naturally gravitated to her warmth and energy.

She is survived by her children, Winnie Buchanan; Georgette Underwood and her husband Billy; Timothy Giles and his wife Rachelle; and Rachel Lucero and her husband Ronald. Her stepchildren: Julia Phippen and husband Bill; Robert and his wife Kelly; Crystal Armioia; and Tim Swift and his wife Tanya.

Her beloved grandchildren are Joey Paulson and his wife Brittany; Amanda Prince and her husband Anthony; Audrey Underwood; Jon Lott and his fiancée Rachel; Shelby Lott and her partner Isaiah Tinsley; Tyler Giles; Mathew Giles and his wife Destiny; Zachery Roseberry; Garrison Roseberry; Jacqueline Roseberry; and Lillian Roseberry. As well as Christina and Jennifer Phippen; Jake Rushlow, McKayla Morrison and husband Brandon, Joshua Fox; William Swift, Jackson Swift and wife Makayla; Brad Swift and wife Kailey.

Her cherished great-grandchildren are Lainey Paulson; Sylas Paulson; Lincoln Prince; Jon Lott Jr., Emily Lott; Ariah Tinsley; Emma Tinsley; Mathew Giles, Paisleigh Giles, Audrey Giles, Michael Giles; Aydon Roseberry; Zachery Roseberry. As well as Vincent Morrison; Violet Swift, Daisy Swift; and Asher Swift.

She also leaves behind her beloved dogs Jenna (the good one) and Sheldon, who will continue to be lovingly cared for by her daughter Rachel (may the force be with you because we all do not like that dog, but mom loved him).

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Neal Monroe and Winnie Audrey West, Siblings: Bill Monroe, Bob Monroe, Linda Monroe Wooten, husband Robert Swift, and grandson, Jimmy Lott.

No funeral service is planned. Shirley will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her bold and joyous spirit, and the laughter and light she brought to all who knew her.