Della Rosemary Swafford

Della Swafford, Blue Springs MO. Della Swafford loving mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter passed peacefully while surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Della was born on February 26, 1958 to Dolly Bernard and Delbert Stevens. She was the eldest of five children and was born and raised in the Kansas City area. Della grew up in a supportive home with her siblings, Doreane, Dorothy, Steven, and Larry. Della’s childhood was guided by a solid foundation of family love, respect, and self-discipline. Della had a zest for life and a fierce love of family. Her adventurous spirit would eventually lead her to the love of her life, Terry Wayne Swafford Sr. Della and Terry married on September 30, 1978, they raised four successful boys together, and they also helped guide and support two of their nieces during their younger years. Della welcomed everyone into their home: friends, family, neighborhood kids, stinky teenagers, her Narcotics Anonymous (NA) family, and strangers who had nowhere else to turn. She offered a safe, supportive home that was always open to those who would like to sit, talk, and enjoy a hot plate of food. She was known for cooking for armies of family and friends and no one ever went hungry while in her home. Della was a woman of service who had many hobbies and passions. She was an active member of NA and she significantly impacted many men and women over the years (far more than she ever gave herself credit for) by providing support and a positive influence. Two of her many passions included motorcycle riding and music. She loved riding on the back of a Harley and watching the world around her as they went by. On her birthday every year, she would request only one thing: a day with her boys at Rockfest. As the years went on, her passions started to evolve and her “little men and beauties” became her top priority. She had a deep, indescribable love for her grandchildren and when she spoke of them, you could feel her love. She loved watching her grandchildren grow and discover the world. She was proud of every single accomplishment, from watching them smile to taking their first steps, to winning the baseball or football game, dancing in their first recital to making cheerleading team captain, to graduating high school and getting signed by a team. She let no accomplishment go unnoticed (as evidenced by her many, many posts on Facebook). She would brag about every accomplishment for every one of her grandchildren. She made sure she was a part of every game, dance, play, and birthday. She always said, “Spending time with my grandchildren is the greatest gift I ever received”. Anyone who met Della, even if just for a moment, could feel the intense light and love she possessed. She lived life to the absolute fullest, hugged with tenacity, and loved unconditionally, and she taught those around her to live with that same fierceness. Tolstoy said, “Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them.” While Della will be deeply missed, her beautiful spirit is etched on the hearts of all the lives she touched, and in that way, she will live on forever. Della was survived by her sons, Jeffrey Marquez (Ashley Marquez), Terry Wayne Swafford Jr. “TJ” (Shelley Swafford), Jonathan Swafford (Nicole Bagnell), Jeremy Swafford (Shannon Duncan); her grandchildren, Caleb, Liz, Ian, Dominick, Karma, Jonathan, Ellie, Trey, and Millie; her mother, Dolly Bernard; her stepfather, Eddie Beach; her sisters, Doreane Hyatte and Dorothy King (Richard King); her brothers, Steven Stevens and Larry Bernard; and nieces, Christina, Crystal, Jessica, Trisha, Ravenne, and Steven. Della was preceded in death by her loving husband, Terry Wayne Swafford Sr., and her father, Delbert Stevens. Family will be holding a celebration of life BBQ in her honor from 3pm-7pm on Sunday June 30th, 2019 at Lake Jacomo Shelter #9, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064. Family requests those that partake in her celebration bring chairs, a side dish, and drinks.

Della Rosemary Swafford

February 26, 1958 - June 4, 2019