Clara Grotz Swigert, age 91, of Oelrichs, SD, passed away October 13, 2014, at the Castle Manor Nursing Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Clara began her journey June 7, 1923. She was born to John and Halo (Saunders) Grotz of Oelrichs. She spent her childhood herding cattle from horseback on the open range. She attended one room country schools in grade school and graduated from Oelrichs High School in 1940. She then stayed home and cared for her ailing mother until her death.

She became sweet on a local boy who worked for her Dad. On a Christmas Eve she became engaged to Chester "Chet" Swigert. Clara's parents made them promise to wait until Chet returned from the war (WWII) before getting married as things were so uncertain in the world and a soldier's life. Chet went off to fight in the army front lines overseas with his sweetheart's picture and a Bible in his pocket. Clara said that was the longest four years of her life. By the grace of God Chet returned from the war and on February 14, 1946, they were married at the Oelrichs United Methodist Church. Four daughters were born to this union and they were able to share 55 years of marriage before Chet's passing in 2001.

Clara was a member of the Oelrichs Methodist Church and Prairie View United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school and VBS for many years. She was active in UMW and served as secretary on the church board for many years. Clara was active in her community in many ways. She served on the school, cemetery and election boards. She was active in the Senior Meals Program and enjoyed playing Bunco or cards. She was involved with the Oelrichs Historical Society for many years and was also active in the Extension Homemakers clubs for over 40 years. She loved gardening and people would often go out of their way to drive by her yard and enjoy her flower gardens. She loved crafts and excelled at sewing, flower arranging and needlework. Clara also loved researching family history and writing poetry. She published three books for her family including two in the last 10 years.

Blessed to call her Mom are daughters, Linda (Jim) West of Chadron, NE; Alice (Mike) Harris of Newcastle, WY; Shirley (Dennis) Lengkeek of Burke, SD; and Connie (Pat) Connor of Lone Jack, MO and Mike Carson of Oelrichs, SD. She is also survived by 11 grandkids; 3 step grandkids; 17 great grandkids; numerous nieces and nephews and her sister, Stella Johnston of Casper, WY.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 2014, at the Prairie View United Methodist Church near Smithwick, SD, with Pastor Morris Nelson officiating. Interment will follow at the Hillside Cemetery near Oelrichs.

A memorial has been established to benefit the Prairie View United Methodist Church.