Marilyn Young Swain

Marilyn Young Swain died in her home on April 4, 2013 after a lingering illness. She surely “slipped the surly bonds of earth…to touch the face of God.” Throughout her life, Marilyn remained a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit.

There will be a Rosary held at Johnsons Funeral Home on Sunday April 7, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

On April 8, 2013 at 10:00 AM a Celebration of Marilyn’s Life will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral. It will be conducted by Monsignor Maurice J. Voity.

Marilyn was born on April 8, 1937 in Vernal, Utah. She married her high school sweetheart, Doug Swain, in 1954, and they moved to Midland, TX where their children were born. Marilyn and Doug converted to Catholicism, and the church became a large part of their life together.

In 1967, Marilyn and Doug moved to San Angelo, where Doug established Swain Plastering Company. Marilyn supported him in that effort, and their children became the center of her life. Later Marilyn became a major influence on the lives of her grandchildren, Christina and Sean. When in 2004 her beloved grandson lost his life, Marilyn survived by drawing on her faith.

It has been said that until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. Marilyn’s soul was wide awake, Doug once commented that he would like to be reincarnated as one of Marilyn’s dogs. And at the end of her life, her cherished Bo Jangle brought her great joy.

Marilyn also loved horses. In the late 1970’s she owned several, including a Tennessee Walker named Traveler. Marilyn treated her horses as most treat their house pets.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Kermit and Grace Hansen Young, her sister Cheryl Young Andrews of Salt Lake City, Utah, and grandson, Sean Douglas Sparks.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Douglas G. Swain; son, Rick Swain and wife Mary; daughter Kim Sparks and husband Sam; grandchild Christina (Swain) Black and husband, Russell; and great grandson Sean Garrison Black.

Other survivors include Pamela (Swain) Hernandez and husband Junior, children, Coda and Jonah. Rusty and Chelsie (Chilton) Swain, children Talia and Layla.

Ricky Swain, Tracy Swain, children, Cole, Lilly and Seth. Shai Sparks Frietze, husband Hector. Children Eric, Christopher, Debra and Matthew Wood. Kenneth-Ross and Angela (Haney) Sparks, children Sterling and Sloan. Sister Elna Young Curry. Nephew Dan Roberts and his sister Sherine Roberts and her children, sister-in-law, Jo (Swain) Roberts, children Tracy Hansen and daughter Cassie Hansen. Nephew Chuck and Jen Rasmussen, children Noah, Austin and Gabriel. Her sister Cheryl’s children, Ricky Andrews, Christy Andrews Patterson. Special cousin Richard Evans of California. And forever friends, Suzanne Hahn and Tida Compos.

Toward the end of life, many withdraw from the wider world. Marilyn did not. She never failed to inquire about those she loved. Marilyn will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at johnsons-funeralhome.com