Marda Swartz

Marda Vey died April 2, 2018 at the Farwell Care and Rehab Center where she had made her home the last seven months. She was born August 18, 1920 in Clovis, New Mexico to David M. and Lillie Blackburn Rodgers.

She graduated from Clovis High School in 1938. After graduation, she worked as a secretary in the Sheriff's Department until she married J. Lynn Swartz on December 14, 1940. He owned Snow White Bakery on 7th Street along with a cousin, Calvin Stebbins. After their marriage, Marda Vey worked with him in the bakery until he sold it and joined the navy in March of 1944. Their first son, Jay Lynn, was born the following July. A second son, Joe, was born in October, 1947. After J. Lynn left the navy, he came back to Clovis and bought a feed store. He sold the store after being involved in a very serious wreck on December 24, 1949 that left him unable to work for several years. In 1950, Marda Vey started working two days a week at the cattle sales then went full time and continued working for 23 years.

Marda Vey and J. Lynn were married almost 54 years when he passed away. She lovingly cared for him through a long illness. She took care of her parents and several other family members and friends through injuries and illnesses. She was a good cook and gracious hostess, opening her home to many that were alone on holidays. She was always smiling and never complained, even through her declining health.

Her parents were charter members of Central Christian Church and she was a faithful and active member until they closed their doors. She then became a member of the W. 21st Street Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Lillie Rodgers, her husband, J. Lynn Swartz, two brothers and their wives, David and Kathryn Rodgers and Swain and Louise Rodgers.

She is survived by her sons Jay Lynn (Delores) Swartz of Clovis and Joe (Yvonne) Swartz of Hawaii. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Latisha Swartz of Dallas, TX, Larissa (Gabe) Apodaca of Clovis, Doug (Lauren) Swartz of Lubbock, TX, Brent (Annelisa) Swartz of Seattle, WA & Nathaniel (Marea) Swartz of Brier, WA. She is also survived by 8 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. At Marda Vey's request, no service will be held. There will be a private burial at a later date.

The family would like to thank everyone at the Farwell Care and Rehab Center for the wonderful care she received and the Auxiliary for the many activities and gifts they provided. Any memorial donations may be made to the Farwell Care and Rehab Center Auxiliary, PO Box 890, Farwell, TX 79325 or NM Christian Children's Home, 1356 NM-236, Portales, NM 88130.