Patsy Swaim

Patsy Ruth Swaim, 85, passed away Monday, October 6, 2025 in Graham.

Patsy was born November 28, 1939 in Graham to the late Jim and Mary Francis (Lewis) Burgess. She married Jerry Grafton Swaim May 9, 1959 in Kermit and he preceded her in death.

Patsy (Hanner, Mom, Nanny), whatever she was to you, you have a story! She was fun, and she was crazy. If you were part of her life, you will never forget her. Her favorite stuffed animal was a tarantula, and she loved scaring people with him. She loved to play games, and she passed that love on to her children and grandchildren. Her daughters were lucky to have her as a mother. She went to every event in their childhood, and she hosted the best slumber parties, birthday parties, and haunted houses! She was an EPNG camp mom, and everyone knew that they were welcome in her home, and that they would have fun while visiting. All of her grandchildren have wonderful, crazy stories about the times they had with her and the special trips they took with her and their papa. Many people remember her for her generosity. She made so much delicious candy at Christmas time so that she could give it away to everyone she loved. She was known as the “hug” lady at her church. And, even as she aged and had to live in assisted living, she kept the same qualities. She played pranks on the people at Elison; she hugged everyone that worked there, and everyone that visited there. Her ministries included those hugs and the clothespin crosses she made until she couldn’t make them any longer. We all have one of those crosses, all of our friends have one, and everyone that encountered her has one as well. They are special. She loved Jesus and wanted to share that love with everyone. She loved her grandchildren, and she was so proud of all of them. They all knew that her home was a safe harbor where you played games, ate good food, and received unconditional love and support. In her very well known words to her grandchildren –”Aruda Kuda Puda.”

Survivors include: daughters, Terri Baldwin and husband, John of Overland Park, Kansas, Sherri Walker of Graham, and Tracey Armstrong and husband, Bradley of Midland; grandchildren, Brian Armstrong, Matt Armstrong, Kayla Willman and husband Aaron, Cord Walker and wife Sarah, Cameron Walker and wife Tamara, and Colby Walker and wife Jana. She will also be missed by 8 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by sisters, Bessie Lee and Fannie Rae Burgess, brothers, Jerald Burgess and Ronnie Burgess, and a grandson, Joshua Chase Walker.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Beyond Faith Home Hospice and Elison Assisted Living both of which treated her like family. She loved you all!

Graveside services will be held at Veale Creek Cemetery at Possum Kingdom Lake, Tuesday, October 14, at 11:00 a.m. with a celebration of life following at the Bunger Barn.