Mary Swander

The Celebration of Life for Mary Lou Swander, age 90, of Enid, will be 2:00 pm, Sunday, August 15, 2021 at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Terry Chick officiating. Pastor Donnie Simpson will officiate at the graveside in Carmen City Cemetery, Carmen, Oklahoma. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

Mary was born on a farm east of Helena, May 21, 1931, to Roy H. and Edith (Campbell) Simpson, and passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021 in Enid, OK. She attended Golden Valley rural one room school through the eighth grade, and then graduated from Helena High School in 1949. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Oklahoma A&M College (now O.S.U.) in 1953, majoring in Home Economics Education. She received a Masters Degree from Phillips University in 1970, majoring in Elementary Education.

On October 23, 1955, she married Bob J. Swander at the First Baptist Church of Enid where both were members. She worked as Extension Home Economist with the Garfield County O.S. U. Extension Center with the 4-H Youth Program for 22 years, and the Adult Education Homemakers Program for 11 years which included educational programs and supervising trips to camps and conventions. She retired after 33 years of service. She was an active member of the Oklahoma and National Association of Extensions Home Economists, receiving several recognition awards and scholarships including the Distinguished Service Award in 1978; the Norma Brumbaugh Award and Scholarship, 1965; the State Communications Award in 1980; the Grace Spivey Award and Scholarship in 1981, and the Cleo Bryan Award in 1984. She served in several offices and as the State President 1984 - 1986. Upon retiring, she and her husband enjoyed several years of traveling, spending winter months at the Gulf in South Texas. Bob died June 15, 1998. Later, she married Allan F. Sloup, September 22, 2000, in Eureka Springs, AR. Allan passed away February 6, 2018.

Mary Lou’s memberships include Bible Baptist Church; the Coffee Mates Camping Club; Retired Teachers Association and the Ongoers Chapter.

She is survived by step-daughter, Sharyl Gephart and family of Enid; step-son, Gary Sloup and family, of Oklahoma City; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Bob Swander; second husband Allan Sloup; and four brothers, Don, Rolland, Rex and James Simpson.

Memorials may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds. Condolences may be made and services viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com