Maryln Doriene Swabby, 86, of Clinton, Missouri passed away while surrounded by her family on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo.
Doriene was born on her family farm in Benton County, Mo. on the very last day of the year in 1937 to Gertrude and Lloyd Keller. After the family moved to Clinton, Doriene attended and graduated from Clinton High School in 1955.
While attending CHS, Doriene was courted by Gene Swabby at the skating rink. She made it clear how important church was to her from the start - their first date was at church. The pair was married at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Clinton, Mo., May 20, 1956. She was 18 and he was 19. The couple was married for 68 years and together for over 72 years.
A mother to four; Mike, Dennis, Janet and Sue, and a grandmother to Clayton and Jessica. Doriene was a mother and grandmother figure to countless nieces, nephews and neighborhood kids. Her door, and heart, were always open.
Doriene was a woman who was strong in her convictions, passionate about her faith and generous with her time for the care of others. Her favorite childhood memory she recalls was the day she was saved by God’s mercy at eight-years-old at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist. Her hands rolled and shaped love into the countless pies that she baked for neighbors, friends, school bake sales and of course, Missionary Baptist church potlucks. Happy to take requests, but infamous for her gooseberry pie.
Doriene volunteered at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital and Davis R-XII School. She was active with the Golden Valley Bluegrass Club and enjoyed going to exercise class at the Clinton Senior Center. Her life was filled with great friends like Linda Sites who she felt was like a sister to her. And if there was a fan club for her two grandchildren, she without a doubt would be president of it.
She is preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Gertrude Keller, her older sister, Francine Keller, and many friends and cousins. One can only imagine the heavenly reunion she had with her two sons, Mike and Dennis, who preceded her in death. A reunion she had no doubt been looking forward to for years.
Doriene is survived by her husband, Gene Swabby, sister Connie (Darrell) Jones, daughters, Sue (Bill) Steward and Janet Swabby, grandchildren Clayton and Jessica Steward as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Englewood Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church, and these donations may be left in care of the funeral home.
