May 30, 1941 – August 4, 2023
Verla May Lile Swasey—loving mom, grandma and friend—passed away peacefully on August 4, 2023, in Moab at the age of 82 years. Verla was born May 30, 1941, in Palisade, Colorado, to Harold D. and Lucile Margaret Grimes Lile.
Harold, Lucile, and Verla moved to Moab in 1943 when Harold was a mechanic for the Moab Garage. Harold later became a truck driver, hauling uranium from Polar Mesa on the La Sal Mountains. They were soon joined by Harold’s parents and brother, Glenn Lile, and his family. Lucile’s sisters and their families also moved to Moab. Verla was surrounded by her cousins and her Aunt LaKeta, who was only four years older than Verla. They were always more like sisters than aunt and niece. Verla and her parents would spend their summers on Polar Mesa, running the mine camp, and also in Moab. Verla had very fond memories of her time spent on Polar Mesa.
Around 1956, Gerald (Jerry) Swasey moved to Moab. Verla’s cousin introduced the two of them. Jerry thought Verla was the prettiest little lady he had ever seen, her blue eyes drew him in. They dated for a couple of years and were married in her parents’ living room on December 23, 1958. They made their home in Moab. Verla & Jerry soon welcomed a son, Gerald (Jerry-Bub) Swasey II. Two years later, Michael D. joined the family. Jerry and Mike were always the best brothers, looking out for each other. Another couple of years and Duane joined the family. Verla was done, happy with her three boys! Unfortunately for Verla, Jerry wanted one more try to have a girl. It was four years later when Terri arrived to complete the family.
Over the years Verla worked at Southeast Elementary School and taught Title One for several years. Verla loved every child who came through the door and, of course, there were a few extra special students. She was always there watching as they grew and completed school, proud of them.
Verla then became the secretary at the First Baptist Church where she worked for many years. Verla loved working there, there were so many people that she could visit and help. Verla also assisted with the preschool program at the church and taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School.
If you knew Jerry and Verla, you knew they liked to go out to eat, perhaps not so much for the food but for the friends both old and new that they would see or meet and talk to. Verla did not know a stranger—always asking folks sitting next to them where they were from or where they were going. The staff at the Moab Diner treated both Verla and Jerry like family, assisting them to their table and, of course, Verla would inquire about their family. It’s funny that Verla became such a social person; in her younger years and early adult years, she was extremely shy and didn’t want anyone to look at her or have to speak to anyone. She made up for lost time!
Verla is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Lucile Lile; a brother, Perry Dean Lile; husband, Gerald R. Swasey; son, Michael D. Swasey; grandson, Carson Swasey; and great-granddaughter, Zoe Swasey.
Verla is survived by her children, Jerry (Debbie) Swasey, Duane (Becky) Swasey, Terri (Art) Hines, and Susan Swasey; her 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren (with another on the way) and LaKeta Christopherson, many cousins, and special family friend Pam Marsing.
The family would also like to thank the staff at Canyonlands Care Center where Verla has been a resident. Thank you all for your love and care; you became another family to our Mother.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 11, at 11:00 a.m., at the Moab Baptist Church (356 West Kane Creek). Burial will follow at the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
You may send condolences to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
