Edna M. Swigart-Nichols, 87, of Yakima and a longtime Lower Valley resident went to be in the arms of her heavenly Father on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at Yakima Regional Hospital.
Edna was born March 14, 1922 in Joseph, Ore., the daughter of John Washington and Ruth Agatha (Meadows) Bennett.
She received her education in Joseph.
Edna and Ralph Swigart were married for 23 years.
She was a head cook and owner of various restaurants in the Lower Valley for many years.
Edna was a member of the Sunnyside Eagles.
She was a lady with a Christian spirit, always giving to a religious charity or disabled American veterans, never knowing a stranger and wanting to adopt everyone.
Edna loved young people and listening to Gospel music.
Edna is survived by one daughter, Nita (Ken) Coleman of Sunnyside; three sons, Keith D. Brower of Yakima, Kenneth D. (Linda) Brower of Olympia and Steve Lee (Bernie) Brower of Pendleton, Ore.; eight grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Roxie Patrick of Kansas, Clara Giese of Baltimore, Md., Naomi Pomerinke of Post Falls, Idaho and Joy McCoy of Irrigon, Ore.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph Swigart; two brothers, Tommy and Edgar; and three sisters, Mary Bennett, Sally Cozone and Pat Collins.
The family of Edna wishes to say thank you to the staff at Sun Towers, especially Rose and also the Yakima Regional Emergency Room for all the care, love, kindness and professionalism shown to our mom.
Viewing and visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside. Graveside funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, at 11 a.m., at Zillah Cemetery.
Those wishing to go online to sign Edna's memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com
Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside is in charge of arrangements.
