1957
Karlene
2024
Karlene Louise Swinford
September 13, 1957 — September 7, 2024
Karlene Louise Swinford, 66, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Katy, Texas. She was born September 13, 1957, in Muncie, Indiana, to parents Ora Eugene Swinford and Minnie McDonald.
Raised in Daleville, Indiana, Karlene enjoyed camping trips with her family and traveling and spending time with her beloved father, Ora. She would later graduate from Daleville High School in 1975 at the top of her class. Her academic success awarded her the Oliver W. Storer Scholarship to attend Indiana State University where she earned an associate's degree in secretarial science in 1977.
Following college, Karlene spent time exploring several cities including Indianapolis, Houston, and San Antonio before returning to Indianapolis and giving birth to son, Kyle Swinford. Facing an uncertain future, she made the difficult and courageous decision to raise him on her own; later moving to Austin, Texas, before settling in Melbourne, Florida.
On weekends, Karlene enjoyed catching a matinee, or two, at the local cinema and listening to her favorite music while cruising around town. She loved action-packed blockbusters and singing along to pop hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. In addition, Karlene was a meticulous record keeper who, with the help of her trusty typewriter, annotated and cataloged photographs, bank statements, utility bills, and more. When it came to her cars, she was equally diligent with their maintenance, performing weekly fluid checks and periodical diagnostics with a mechanic.
Like many, Karlene longed for love and lusted for adventure. However, a lifelong battle with mental illness saw those dreams often fall short. In the two decades preceding her death, she returned to Indianapolis, Florida, and Texas; navigating tough economic times that included periods of unemployment, homelessness, and disability. Despite life’s setbacks, Karlene’s tenacious attitude kept her hope alive. She will be most remembered for her spirited personality and the kindness and compassion she extended to those in need.
Karlene was preceded in death by parents, Minnie and Ora. She is survived by son, Kyle and granddaughter, Noelle of Vancouver, Washington; sister, Linda Ward of Greenfield, Indiana, and brother, Gary Swinford of New Mexico; and niece, Heather Ward of Fortville, Indiana.
Once arrangements are complete, those wishing to pay their respects to Karlene will find her by Ora’s side at Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Indiana.
Raised in Daleville, Indiana, Karlene enjoyed camping trips with her family and traveling and spending time with her beloved father, Ora. She would later graduate from Daleville High School in 1975 at the top of her class. Her academic success awarded her the Oliver W. Storer Scholarship to attend Indiana State University where she earned an associate's degree in secretarial science in 1977.
Following college, Karlene spent time exploring several cities including Indianapolis, Houston, and San Antonio before returning to Indianapolis and giving birth to son, Kyle Swinford. Facing an uncertain future, she made the difficult and courageous decision to raise him on her own; later moving to Austin, Texas, before settling in Melbourne, Florida.
On weekends, Karlene enjoyed catching a matinee, or two, at the local cinema and listening to her favorite music while cruising around town. She loved action-packed blockbusters and singing along to pop hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. In addition, Karlene was a meticulous record keeper who, with the help of her trusty typewriter, annotated and cataloged photographs, bank statements, utility bills, and more. When it came to her cars, she was equally diligent with their maintenance, performing weekly fluid checks and periodical diagnostics with a mechanic.
Like many, Karlene longed for love and lusted for adventure. However, a lifelong battle with mental illness saw those dreams often fall short. In the two decades preceding her death, she returned to Indianapolis, Florida, and Texas; navigating tough economic times that included periods of unemployment, homelessness, and disability. Despite life’s setbacks, Karlene’s tenacious attitude kept her hope alive. She will be most remembered for her spirited personality and the kindness and compassion she extended to those in need.
Karlene was preceded in death by parents, Minnie and Ora. She is survived by son, Kyle and granddaughter, Noelle of Vancouver, Washington; sister, Linda Ward of Greenfield, Indiana, and brother, Gary Swinford of New Mexico; and niece, Heather Ward of Fortville, Indiana.
Once arrangements are complete, those wishing to pay their respects to Karlene will find her by Ora’s side at Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Indiana.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karlene Louise Swinford, please visit our flower store.
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