Audrey Marilyn (Ayers) Swindle

Marilyn Swindle, 85, of Amarillo, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024. Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Llano Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Tuesday at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive.

Marilyn was born November 12, 1938 on the family farm outside Lelia Lake, Texas to Clarence and Grace Ayers. She graduated from Lelia Lake High School as salutatorian in 1957. She attended Clarendon College and went on to earn her bachelor degree in education at West Texas State University. She married her husband, Ted Swindle on May 11, 1962 in Plainview, Texas. Shortly thereafter, having never flown in her life, Marilyn bravely boarded a prop plane and flew to Berlin Brigade, Germany to join Ted, where he was stationed with the U.S. Army. The flight was worth it, as they enjoyed over 61 years of marriage together. While in Germany, Marilyn taught kindergarten at the Dependent School system for the Dept. of Defense. After returning to the states, Marilyn taught school in Hereford. She worked for the Texas Dept. of Health and the Texas Employment Commission in Austin. She also worked in catering during their time in Austin.

Outside of work, Marilyn spent her time being creative. She was a talented painter; oil paints and toll painting. She enjoyed counted cross-stitch, crochet and Swedish weaving. She won two 1st place ribbons at the Tri-State Fair for her work. Marilyn was a woman of strong faith and loved children. She was a very loving and caring person. She loved birds and adored her beloved dog, Luvie. Marilyn and Ted were members of Church of Christ at the Colonies.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Joe Ayers, Dale Ayers, and Ralph Ayers; and one sister, Lola Gardner.

Survivors include her husband Ted Swindle; two daughters, Stephanie Bailey and husband Mark of Amarillo and Valerie Corry and husband Jim of Kyle, TX; three grandchildren, Amanda Vasquez (Miguel), Josh Taylor (Frannie Vandervoort), and Ashley Riseman (Ben); six great-grandchildren, Octavia, Ladrian, Malachi, Baxter, Charles, and Harry; two nephews, Wayne Ayers (Paula), and Larry Ayers (Jill); and several other nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the High Plains Children’s Home.