Evelyn Lois Dickey Foutz Swecker

Lois Swecker, 104 years old, of Roanoke, Va., passed away Friday, June 19, 2009. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vivian and Ethel Hale; her sisters, Edith, Mildred, Jean, Anna, and Eleanor; her brother, William; her son, James B. Dickey; daughter-in-law, Patricia Dickey; her stepson, Dr. Charles Swecker; her stepdaughter, Dr. Alice Swecker Huff; and three husbands, J. Bourne Dickey, Roger Foutz, and James Swecker. She is survived by her sister, Alverda "Johnny Bess" Rhudy; her son and his wife, Roger and Carole Foutz; daughter-in-law, Louise Dickey; stepdaughter-in-law, Betty "BJ" Swecker; stepdaughter, Maggie Bizelle; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; 12 step grandchildren; 12 stepgreatgrandchildren; one stepgreat-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lois was born on May 10, 1905, in Elk Creek, Va., the oldest of eight children.
She was a woman ahead of her time, graduating from Virginia Intermont College in 1925, with a certificate in music and a teachers diploma, first claiming jobs playing organ in the silent movies and teaching music.
Mom lived her own love stories with three husbands and two sons. She spent the last 21 years of her career working at Mountain Trust Bank. Once retired, she kept her mind active by being a voracious reader, mostly romance novels, working cross-word puzzles, and creating beautiful hand crocheted afghans for almost everyone in her family. She was a wonderful country cook keeping her extended family well fed. She lived independently until she was 97 at which time she moved into Friendship Health and Rehab where she experienced compassionate care for her last seven years.
Never so much truer a quote than in her college yearbook "In speaking of our little Lois, we can truly say, "Never was so rich a gem set in less than gold ..a young lady with an adorable disposition and winning personality. Lois, little pal, we all love you dearly and will never forget you."
The graveside service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at Mountain View Cemetery, Vinton, Va. Family and friends will gather at Roger and Carole Foutz's house to celebrate her life, after the service. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100
"You are still the Prettiest Girl in the Room."