Betty A Swihart

Betty will be remembered as a very independent-minded lady, adventurous, practical, small in physical size, but mighty in mind, body, and spirit. She was a beautiful woman in so many ways, very generous in her volunteerism and big-hearted willingness to help people. Betty volunteered for the Outpatient Psychiatry Department at Fitzsimmons, the AARP Safe-Driving Program, and the Society of Military Widows. She was smart, protective, loving, strong-willed, inclusive, warm, feisty, fashionable, with a decided preference for Dove ice cream bars, and a love for animals that started with her beloved Pomeranian, Pom Pom. She was a force of nature, who passed on a strong legacy to her family.

Betty had an active career that began with her impressive talents as a stenographer when she was in her teens, and continued through secretarial positions she held while also raising five children with her husband John. Betty and John loved to go camping when the children were little, and enjoyed traveling on their own and with family throughout their lives. They were married 46 years before John passed away in 2002. Following his death, Betty shared her life primarily with her youngest daughter, Rebecca, and her youngest grandchild, Lilly.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband John A. Swihart, her parents, Carl C. Clendenning and Leona Williams “Babe” Clendenning, and her sister Juanita Alexander. She is survived by her five children, Toni L. Slater, Miriam L. Swihart (Jo Zvares), John J. Swihart (Laurie Swihart), Nathan A. Swihart (Cheryl Swihart), and Rebecca A. Swihart-Harris (Ken Harris); by her grandchildren Lee Woodhams, Anne Nickel, Andi Swihart, Johnathan Swihart and Lillian Swihart-Tarr; and several great grandchildren.

Betty’s final resting place will be with her husband at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Swihart family.