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Funeral services will take place on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).

United Church
Philip, South Dakota




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In memory of

Valerie M. Swift

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 61

Valerie was born on June 9, 1959 to Helen and Andrew Connelly of Winner, South Dakota. She grew up in the country near Winner and graduated from Winner High School in 1977. She moved to Rapid City, South Dakota in 1979 with her daughter. She loved spending the weekends at the lakes in the Black Hills. Val worked at McKee Ford and Job Service.

Val was united in marriage to Thomas Swift on March 1, 1991, and they lived in Rapid City for numerous years before moving to the family ranch near Philip in 1998.

Val worked at Philip Motor for many years, making long lasting friendships with many colleagues she worked with. Recently she worked in Wall as a desk clerk and loved meeting all the new people that crossed her path. Val put her family in front of all else and loved with her whole heart.

Survivors include her husband Thomas D. “Tom” Swift; daughter Heidi (Tristan) Horton; stepson Josh (Cassie) Swift; grandchildren Kira Horton, Blakely Swift, and Greylen Swift; an honorary grandchild Mallory Vetter; sisters, Karen Connelly and Kathy (Paul) Hubbard; brothers, Ronnie (Darnell) Connelly, Mike Connelly, and Neil (Lynn) Connelly; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Helen Connelly, sister Sherry Mann, and stepson Jessie Swift.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, at the United Church in Philip. Due to covid and the safety of our friends and family the service will have limited capacity and masks will be required. The service will also be live streamed at Philip Public TV Facebook page.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, November 28, 2020 - 10:00 a.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

MUSIC
Tracie Ritz - Vocalist
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”

USHERS
TR Horton - Tyler Swift

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

  • She was a beautiful lady, and everybody loved her. Prayers for all! ~ Joann Stark IA (11/27/2020)
  • We didn't know Val, but we are thinking of Tom and his family ~ Mark, Carolyn, and Cayne Krogman Quinn, SD (11/26/2020)
  • SD ~ Robert Nicholson Akaska (11/25/2020)
  • We are so sorry to hear about Vals death. She was always fun to talk with when she came with her sisters to Cedar Shores campground. I know Ashlee, Jordyn, Sam and Dawn will miss her. Prayers for you all. ~ Rick and Kim (Shafer) Swank Mitchell sd (11/25/2020)
  • I am so sorry to hear of Val's passing. I considered her one of my best friends from Winner. She always had me in stitches with her sense of humor. I have many hilarious memories of our younger years. Loved her dearly, I will miss you Val! ~ Bonnie Swartwood Cheyenne, WY (11/25/2020)
  • Thinking of you during this difficult time. Hold on to all the memories. We know that she is done suffering and in a better place. ~ Les and Joann Pearson Philip, SD (11/25/2020)
  • Oh, my dear Valerie! The laughs and shenanigans we've shared over the years will be forever etched in my mind. I will pull them out when I most need them and think of your sweet smile. And, I WILL see you again. ~ Jeanie Waara 22217 11 Mile Road Box 369 (11/24/2020)
  • Sorry to hear about Val. I will miss her and our phone calls we shared after we didn't work together anymore. She was a Great Friend. My Thoughts and Prayers Tom and your Family. Val will be missed. ~ Nan Miller Wall,S.D. (11/24/2020)

  • We send our condolences to family & friends of Val Swift.
    Val was a sweet gal, and fun to be with.. We cherish all the memories of good times with her on our pontoon, and meals we shared at Cedar Shire in Chamberlain.
    May all the Memories of life with him bring you Peace & Comfort all these days. We send our thoughts and prayers to the family during these difficult days     ~ Gary & Kay Shafer Mitchell. SD (11/24/2020)
  • Tom & Family, So sorry to hear of Val's passing. she was a very special lady. god Bless ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (11/24/2020)
  • I so enjoyed working with Val at the motel. Always a smile on her face. ~ Carol Lynch Quinn (11/24/2020)
  • Swift so sorry for your loss may your memories comfort you ~ Rod and Berta Olson Merna ,Ne (11/24/2020)
  • South Dakota ~ Linda Kroetch Philip (11/24/2020)
  • Tom & Family, Val had a wit that could not be matched. I will forever be grateful to have known my birthday buddy. You all have my deepest sympathies. ~ Andrew Reckling Philip (11/24/2020)