June 11, 1939 - May 31, 2008

Judith Ann Murphy Swanson, 68, went to be with her beloved Lord on May 31, at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Her devoted husband and beloved high school sweetheart, Lars Darnell Swanson, was by her side throughout this time.

Judy was born in Astoria to Howard Murphy and Anna Murphy Hunter. Judy attended Days Creek High School, where she participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including student council, newspaper, drama, chorus, library, cheerleading, sports, annual and was both prom queen of 1957 and class valedictorian. Under her senior picture from school it says, "Carnival Time, Not too tall, Not too small, She's a gal that's liked by all." She fell in love with her high school sweetheart there, but for a time their lives would take different paths, eventually crossing again 30 years later.

Judy moved a lot in her younger years, but after reuniting with Lars, they settled down in Tiller where they made their fondest memories during their 20-year marriage. The reunion and marriage with her first love proves the old adage that "the best things in life are worth waiting for." Their last 20 years were their best, sharing their current and past lives with each other.

She enjoyed family gatherings throughout the years. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, who knew her best as "Grandma up the river."

Her hobbies were reading, writing short stories and poetry, and knitting afghans.

The Tiller surroundings sparked her creativity. She could write with the soothing sounds of the South Umpqua River running near her home as an inspiration. This quiet, serene atmosphere boasted God's creations; an inspiration in all that she wrote. Here is an excerpt from one of her writings, "Lars, In the Old Red Hat":

Some would say it's the middle of the night,

But Lars knows it'll soon be light.

So he gets up 'fore the crack of dawn

And puts his grey, long-handles on;

Heavy socks, worth weight in gold

To keep his feet from bitter cold.

He dons tin pants; a Hickory shirt

And an old red hat, covered in dirt.

A sheep's wool vest goes on his back.

And toting his lunch in a plastic sack,

With thermos of coffee under his arm

He heads for the Chevy out in the barn.

"Another dollar…" you'll hear him say,

"A man must work to earn his pay."

Judy is survived by her husband, Lars Darnell Swanson of Tiller; son Rob Gill of Scio; daughter LeaAnn Lowery; brothers Gary Murphy and wife Linda of Springdale, Ark., Chuck and wife Sally Ray of Gleneden Beach, Mike and wife Rose Murphy of Scio, Larry and wife Dawn Hunter of Klamath Falls, David and wife Connie Hunter of Lebanon, and Steve and wife Souix Ellis of Scio; and Lars' children, Jeannie and Eddie Weakley of Canyonville, Janell Swanson and Ron Coltrin of Riddle, Karyn and Darren McNeil of Riddle, Kevin Swanson of Winston, Chuck and Jasmine White of Roseburg, and Jerry and Lilia White of Davao City, Philippines.

Judy was preceded in death by her mother, Ann V. Hunter of Klamath Falls; and stepson Lawrence Darnell Swanson of Long Beach, Calif.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Tri-City Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Tiller Fire Department in care of the Scio Fire Department.