Marietta Louise (Nation) Swarnes

Marietta Louise (Nation) Swarnes, age 67, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, at home after a lengthy, hard fought, illness. She was surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born to Ralph Leroy and Darlene Louise (Lewis) Nation of Rich Hill, Mo., on Dec, 13, 1954.

Mary was united in marriage to Neal Roy Swarnes on May 29, 1971, in Butler, Mo. She graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1973 where she was a member of the softball team. Mary was active in many areas throughout school. She was snow princess, yearbook queen and a cheerleader. Mary was a Vista Volunteer for the first Food Pantry in Nevada, Mo. She worked as a Para Educator for the Nevada R-5 school district for 27 years. She was a devout and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its women’s organization, the Relief Society all her adult life. She enjoyed serving others through various capacities within the church and otherwise. In more recent years, she served as a Temple Ordinance Worker in Kansas City and was the Food Director for Girls Camp. She belonged to the Cottey PEO ND chapter. If you were to ask her, the most important title she ever held was that of “wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.”

Mary was an expert chef, nurturer, homemaker, grandkid spoiler, bargain shopper, organizer, record keeper, friend, spiritual teacher, and loving wife of her forever sweetheart Neal. She lived her deepest values of loving her Savior, Jesus Christ, by loving others. She was a friend to all and believed deeply in the value and worth of every person she met. Her loving influence was felt across her community and with all of those fortunate enough to know her. She spoke love through her actions, her words, her beautiful smile, her homecooked food, and her joyful essence. She will forever be remembered as the master nurturer, the hands that heal, the devoted friend, and the voice of love.

Mary is survived by her husband, Neal Swarnes of Nevada, Mo.; their four children, Jeremy Swarnes (wife Angela) of Webb City, Mo., Joseph Swarnes (wife Oralea) of Alma, Ark., Jerald Swarnes (wife Tiffani) of Liberal, Mo., and daughter (Mary) Melisha Chargois (husband Richard) also of Liberal, Mo. She thoroughly adored and was deeply loved by their 12 grandchildren, Megan Swarnes of Tampa, Fla., Makayla Cherrington (husband William) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Lydia Swarnes of Fayetteville, Ark., Neal Joseph Swarnes, Emma Swarnes, Anna Swarnes, and Sara Swarnes of Alma, Ark., Taylor Swarnes, Degan Swarnes, Grant Swarnes, and Dawson Swarnes of Liberal, Mo., and Anson Chargois of Liberal, Mo. She is also survived by her sister, Jeannette Burton of Rich Hill, Mo. Mary leaves behind many cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones she considers to be her family. She is preceded in death by one son, Jordan Timothy; her parents; grandparents; and brother-in-law.

Mary embraced her life and courageously accepted her trials. She sincerely appreciated the “living visitation” she was able to experience with hundreds of her dearest friends, family members, colleagues, and loved ones that came to express their love in person, over video chat, or through cards and messages. This special time allowed her to minister to them once again in her final weeks. Her faith and bravery is unmatched. Her influence is infinite. Her love is eternal. She will be forever cherished in our hearts.

Services will be Saturday, Dec. 18, visitation at noon, followed by services at 1 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1101 N Olive Street Nevada, Mo.