Liona Bell Swofford, 89, of Wendling, Ore., passed away on Dec. 8, 2020 in Springfield, Ore.
Liona was born in Los Altos, Cal., to Floyd and Esther McVey, on June 16, 1931. Her family moved to Pleasant Hill, Ore., in 1945 where her father owned a grocery store and motel.
Liona graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1949, where she anchored the center of their frontline as a volleyball player. Go Billies!
On May 14, 1955, she married Loyal Swofford, of Wendling, Ore, where they made a home and have resided ever since.
Liona was a continually active lady, worked hard and always had a big smile. She was a loving mother of two children and was active in their lives.
Liona gave her life to Jesus Christ and was baptized in 1953. She and Loyal were active members of the Marcola Christian Church, serving the Lord in many ways. They worked for years with the youth of the valley through the church youth ministry. She was a true believer in John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘l am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”’
Liona was preceded in death by three brothers, Henry, Floyd, and Charles and one child, Baby Girl Swofford. She is survived by her husband, Loyal, two children, Jay Swofford, of Wendling, Ore., and Ellen Ackerman, of Lincoln, Cal., five grandchildren, Ryan, Alexandrea and Lillian Swofford and Riley and Isaac Ackerman, and one sister, Hazel Hammond, of Crawfordsville, Fla.
Proverbs 31:25-30, “Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband praises her as well. Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all! Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Eugene Mission.
