Afton Haws Swasey

By Sun Advocate

PRICE – Afton Haws Swasey, 89, our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend passed away peacefully on November 7, 2015 at Parkdale Care Center. She was born on September 17, 1926 to Violet Belle Steele and Leon Haws in Silver City, Utah. She was the fifth of twelve children. She was raised in Utah and Wyoming.
She married Alden Dudley Swasey on November 15, 1943. They were sealed in the Manti Temple on September 26, 1959. She was a loving mother of five children. She was a strong, caring mother who could influence you to do anything and you could see it was a good thing. Mom was a great cook and loved to bake and do cake decorating. She was especially known for her Parkerhouse rolls. As a child, she would sing with her siblings. They won first place in several contests. She liked to crochet, draw and play Bunco. Mom loved the Utah Jazz and never missed a game. There was always a deck of cards nearby as mom loved playing cards any time of day or night. Her Wellington friends were always eager to join in a game.
Mom served faithfully in many church callings, including, Primary President, Young Women’s Presidency and Summiteer Leader. She also served in the Relief Society Presidency and was a compassionate service leader for many years.
She loved parties. She looked forward to planning family reunions, large Thanksgiving dinners, birthdays or any other occasion to celebrate. Many happy times were shared with food, family and friends. We children loved to sit around and listen to her reminisce. She was funny and witty and loved to laugh. She remembered people and was sensitive to their feelings and needs. She taught her children to do the same. She always went the extra mile and did a lion’s share.
Together, mom and dad served two missions: one to Honduras and one to Mexico. They also did a service mission in Warm Springs, Nevada.
Having grown up during the depression in such a large family, mom was no stranger to poverty. Often, there wasn’t enough to eat. These hard times stayed with her. After her marriage and when things became more plentiful she shared with others. Her home was open to those who needed a meal or a place to stay. Relatives or friends lived with the family in times of need. She gave of herself and what she had without reservation.
Mom is preceded in death by her husband, Alden Swasey, sisters: Mabel, Hazel, and Leora, brothers: Oren and Floyd. She is survived by her children: Darleen (Stan) Larson, Steven (Lyn) Swasey, Sandra (Dennis) Behling, Roger (Sylvia) Swasey and Larry (Colleen) Swasey: 16 grandchildren, 68 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren, her brothers: Roy Lynn, Wayne and Reed Haws, her sister, Elnora Dubree and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Price LDS 3rd Ward (303 West 500 South). There will be a viewing from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Wellington Cemetery under the care of Fausett Mortuary. A luncheon will be provided by Price 3rd Ward Relief Society after the interment at the church. The family would like to thank the dedicated care givers and nurses at Parkdale, especially, Peter, Teddi, Fern, Brodi and Liz. Friends and family may sign the guest book and share memories of Afton at www.fausettmortuary.com.
Mom was valiant to the end and left us with a smile on her face. Her gentle, loving ways will be deeply missed.