Glenda Birdie Swigart

Glenda Birdie Swigart, 61-year-old retired English teacher, died early Wednesday morning, February 20, 2008, at her home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 23, 2008, at Bible Baptist Church in Woodward. Graveside services will follow at Elmwood Cemetery with the Billings Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.Glenda Birdie (Foiles) Swigart was born on November 23, 1946, on the family farm southeast of Woodward. Her parents were Francis Samuel and Glynna Ottie (Waits) Foiles, and she had one older brother, Francis Ivan, and one younger brother, Samuel James. In 1965, she graduated as valedictorian of Woodward High School and then attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in 1969. Upon graduation from college, she accepted her first teaching position in Hutchison, Kansas, and there, in 1970, she was married to Larry Ray Swigart of Mooreland. After moving to Okeene, Oklahoma, they had their first child, Gregory Danon. In 1973, they returned to Woodward and were blessed with three more children, Stacy Denise, Stephanie Rae, and Jeffrey Ryan. When her last child was school-age, she resumed her teaching career as a seventh grade English teacher for the Woodward Public School system.

Mrs. Swigart was a beloved educator of hundreds of students for over 25 years. She was a member of the Woodward Education Association, Oklahoma Education Association, National Education Association, and the National Council of Teachers of English. During her distinguished career as an educator, she was the recipient of many Woodward Education Association awards, including the Good Apple Award, the Instructional Excellence Award, and the Teachers Teaching Students Award. But no accolade was more valued by her than the countless lives she was able to touch through her love of children and of teaching.

Birdie accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in August of 1959 at the age of 13. A year later, she began teaching a Sunday school class of her peers at Bible Baptist Church. Her many ministries over the years have included playing the accordion, the piano, and the organ; teaching for many years in the junior church department; writing and directing numerous Christmas programs and other pageants; volunteering as game leader, counselor, and teacher in Awana; running a van route; and serving as assistant church clerk. She loved her church and her strong faith was reflected in her life. Only eternity will tell of the many lives she has touched and those who were led to the Lord because of her faithful service to God. Her favorite Bible verse was Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. She is survived by her husband, Larry; three children, Stacy Antoun and husband Michel of Dallas, Texas; Stephanie Goates and husband Brian of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Jeff Swigart and wife Jenna of Woodward, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Andrew Milad Antoun and Evan Wayne Goates; brother, James Foiles; and a host of family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Gregory; her parents, Francis and Glynna; and her brother, Ivan.

In her memory, a fund has been established for the purchase of a new church piano to be dedicated in her name. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bible Baptist Church with the funeral home acting as custodian.

Remembrances may be made online at www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com