Rachel Alice Swart

Rachel Alice Swart, a cherished matriarch passed away peacefully on Tuesday, the 25th day of March 2025, at the age of 97. Born on the 3rd day of April 1927, in Mt. Herman, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Raymond Anderson and Hattie Howard.

Rachel, known affectionately to her family and friends, was a woman of remarkable character and kindness. She grew up in the SE mountains of Oklahoma, where she had a life filled with joy, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her loved ones. Her early years in Mt. Herman shaped her into the extraordinary person who would touch so many lives.

Rachel dedicated herself to raising her 3 sons with Earl; Bruce, and twins, Brent and Kent who all arrived within 3 years. By the time they entered school, she added duties at the local Post Office. When they relocated to Tucson’s Davis-Monthan AFB, she worked at the PX. She was also actively involved in both Eastern Star and American Legion activities in Jewett and Centerville after she and Earl relocated to Texas.

Rachel loved her family above all. Bingo nights were a source of great pleasure, as were her moments spent in the garden, nurturing plants with the same care she gave to her relationships. An avid sports fan, Rachel also had a keen interest in Republican politics. She and Earl actively promoted Republican candidates and issues in Leon County.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herman "Earl" Swart, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Her son, Ret. Col. Brent Swart also preceded her, as well as her sisters Babe Johnson, Estelle McAtte, and Shirley Tienert, and her brother W.D. Anderson. Each of these individuals held a special place in her heart.

Rachel is survived by 2 devoted sons, Bruce Swart and his wife Karen, Kent Swart and his wife Ping, and her late son’s wife Chris Swart; a loving brother, Doyle Anderson and his wife Sherrie; and her brother-in-law, Herman Tienert. Rachel's legacy continues through her seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, who will carry her memory forward. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and a host of friends who were blessed to know her.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 28th day of March 2025 in the Reflection Room and Molly Ray State Room at Rhone Funeral Home.

Funeral services to celebrate Rachel Swart’s life will be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 29th day of March 2025 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel.  Bro. David English will be officiating the service.

Graveside services will be held at one o’clock in the afternoon, Monday, the 31st day of March 2025 at Lone Star Cemetery in Rocky, Oklahoma.  A visitation will be held prior to the service at eleven o’clock in the morning until Noon at Ray and Martha’s Funeral Home, 1502 N. Market, Cordell, OK 73632.

Those honored to serve as honorary pallbearers are Christopher Swart, Cameron Swart, Kristina Swart, Doug Himebauch, Courtney Swart, Jennifer Swart, Joshua Smith, M.D., Lindsay Cathey, and Angela Heffner.

Funeral services for Rachel Alice Swart are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. 

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