Earla Long Swope, 101, of Galesburg, Illinois, formerly of Green Valley, Arizona, died peacefully Sunday, July 7, 2024 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Earla was born August 16, 1922 in Havanna, Illinois, the daughter of Edith (Thompson) and Edward S. Long. She married Lowell W. Markert and later married Donald D. Swope on August 12, 1960 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He preceded her in death on July 2, 2011. Earla is survived by one son, Edward (Rhonda) Markert of Galesburg; Don’s godson, Bill (Carrie) Downey of Martinsville, Illinois; one granddaughter, Heather (Kelvin) McCord; four step-grandchildren, Jarrod Anderson, Erin Waymoth, Sarah (Nate) Lipe, and David Turley; four great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren. Along with her husband and parents, Earla was preceded in death by one daughter Dale Marie Miller; and one brother, Edward “Edo” Long.
Earla worked for the State of Illinois for many years. After retirement, Earla and Don moved to Green Valley, Arizona where they spent the remainder of their years. They traveled the world extensively, travelling to many different locations in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Alaska, and traveled through the Panama Canal. Earla and Don had the distinct honor of taking the last flight of the Concorde Jet to Europe and travelled back to the US aboard the Queen Elizabeth, II. Earla also became a highly accomplished at needle pointing, teaching and travelling throughout the US as a member of the American Needle Pointers Guild. She was also a member of the Embroidery Guild of America; a charter member of the Tucson, Arizona Needle Point Guild; and was skilled in Eggery Art.
Cremation will be accorded. Her cremated remains will be placed in a niche next to her husband Don at Green Valley Cemetery, Sahuarita, Arizona. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
