Glenda Mae (Barks) Swafford

Glenda Mae Swafford of Lowndes, MO, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO, after a brief illness. She was born in Lilbourn, MO, January 2, 1931, to parents Louis Van and Lula (Croell) Barks. 

Glenda was a loving mother and grandmother. After graduating from Greenville 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 November 5, 1949, and they were blessed with two children. Glenda was also blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law, Alta Swafford, a relationship that 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 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 FL. 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 that 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, she was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-five years.  

Glenda is survived by her children: Martha Hauck and husband Walter of St. Louis, Steve Swafford and wife DeLana of Cape Girardeau; grandchildren: Jacob Hauck and wife Megan, Caleb Hauck and companion Elizabeth, Emily Swafford and companion Taylor, 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, Shook, MO. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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