The daughter and only child of Noah Elmer and Palman May Williams Brownlee, Alma was born Dec. 17, 1919, in Geuda Springs, Kan. She grew up in Newkirk and received her education in Newkirk schools.

On Oct. 31, 1936, Alma and Franklin James "Bud" Swope were married in Perry. They established their first home in Newkirk where they resided their entire married life. She enjoyed her role as a homemaker and nurturing their four sons. Mr. Swope died Feb. 27, 2004. Alma remained in Newkirk the rest of her life.

Alma was a member of First Baptist Church of Newkirk and WMU, and she had served as a Sunday school teacher in past years. In her earlier days she enjoyed swimming and dancing. Alma and Bud enjoyed a boat ride they received from Vic Andrews on the Ponca Lake. A talented artist, she enjoyed drawing. A favorite pastime was visiting with friends on the telephone. Her essential joys in life were her family and her church life.

Alma is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Frank and Donna Swope of Ponca City, Robert Lee "Bob" and Carolyn Swope of Arkansas City and Ronald Dean and Edie Swope of Rockaway Beach, Mo.; ten grandchildren, Kendra Warn of Edmond, Robert L. Swope, Russell F. Swope, both of Ponca City, Delbert L. Swope and Michael Swope, both of Oklahoma City, Rhonda Beach and Ryan D. Swope, both of Arkansas City, Michelle Schneider of Kansas City, Mo., Shane Swope and Megan Vansickle, both of Kansas City, Kan; 16 great-grandchildren; six great, great-grandchildren; and numerous step grand, great-grand and great, great-grandchildren.

In addition to Frank, her husband of 67 years, she was preceded in death by one son, Delbert Swope.

The funeral has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, in First Baptist Church of Newkirk with the Rev. Rex Roberts officiating. Interment will take place in Newkirk Cemetery. Miller-Stahl Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. The body will lie in state at the funeral home Tuesday until 9 p.m. and Wednesday until noon.

Serving as casket bearers will be grandsons, Russell Swope, Delbert Swope, Mike Swope, Ryan Swope Shane Swope Robert Swope, Brigg Swope and Erick Swope, and great-grandson Adam Swope.

A memorial fund has been established for First Baptist Church Building Fund. Contributions may be made in Mrs. Swope's name through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk, Okla. 74647-0468.

paid obituary