Obituary: Swartzwelder, Wilma Helen (Baruth)
Age 78
She was the only child born to Eli E. and Helen W. Baruth in Spokane and was raised on the South Hill on the family’s dairy farm, Manito Dairy.
Once dozens of acres of cow paths, pasture and forest, she resided on this same land until her death.
Wilma graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1951 and went on to complete Nursing School at Deaconess School of Nursing in 1954.
An RN and later a Nurse Practitioner, a good and caring nurse, she worked at Shriners Hospital from 1960-1972, and then Spokane Health District until she retired in 1993.
Her hobbies were sewing and shopping at Walmart and Costco, but her passion was playing the organ.
She was the organist at Grace Lutheran Church for many years.
It was a struggle, but she was a “survivor” as she raised her four children through their teenage years as a single mom.
She was proud of and praised the Lord always for Penni, Caryn (Shoemaker), Paul and Fran.
Her three grandchildren were truly the sparkle in her life.
Bethany (16) and Rachel (13) were both adopted as infants from China by Penni.
Elizabeth (9) was also adopted from China as an infant by Fran.
Wilma was also “Mom” to many of her children’s friends over the years.
A celebration of life will be held at Ball and Dodd Funeral Home, 5100 W. Wellesley on February 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., following a private burial.
In leau of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Hospital.