Monday, August 03, 2020

Ebilene Minor Swinney (Steve Swinney's Mom) 3.20.2020






Ebilene Minor Swinney completed her earthly journey on Friday, March 20, 2020 at the age of 87 and was welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Ebbie was born on October 16, 1932 in Atkins, Arkansas to George and Vera Minor.  They moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming during World War II where she lived until meeting the love of her life, Raymond V. Swinney, at the local roller-skating rink.  Ray literally “fell for her” while getting her attention.  They married on November 1, 1949 at The Little Chapel Around the Corner in Las Vegas, Nevada and began a 52-year marriage and love affair which took them to military assignments in California, Oregon, Texas, Wyoming, Ramstein AFB West Germany, and New Mexico before settling down in Universal City, Texas.  Ebbie was a wonderful Air Force wife and mother as she set up new homes and supported her family with frequent military moves.  Nearly dying at age 17 during her first childbirth, she was blessed with three children, Johnny Ray, Steven Scott, and Timothy George.  She dedicated her life to her husband and children and helped support the family as an Avon Lady in the 1960s.  A devoted Christian, Ebbie was active in the Randolph AFB Chapel Choir and Protestant Women of the Chapel where she visited wounded service members from the Vietnam War.  Ebbie loved to travel the United States and the world with her family and was recognized by the San Antonio Light newspaper for her extended motorcycle trips to Canada on the back of a Honda Goldwing motorcycle.  Ebbie was an accomplished piano player and loved to sing and play gospel music with her parents and sister.  Ebbie was widowed in 2001 and spent the rest of her life with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.  She was a loving and caring person who always thought of others. 
Ebbie was preceded in death by her parents, George E. and Vera Mae (Staggs) Minor; sister, Velda Minor Harris; husband, MSgt (Ret) Raymond V. Swinney; grandchildren:  Robert, Benjamin and Sarah Raylene Swinney.  She is survived by her sons:  Johnny R. Swinney and wife, Julia; Steven S. Swinney; Timothy G. Swinney and wife, Lorraine.  Grandchildren:  Thomas and Timothy S. Swinney, Brian Swinney (Erin), Lisa Barker (Reid), Laura Swinney, Kyle Swinney (Mary), and Lauren Sigmon (Eric); Great Grandchildren: Adalyn, Kailyn and Nolan Swinney, McKenzie Sigmon, Jackson and Payton Swinney, Frank and Blaise Barker, numerous nephews and nieces. 
The family is grateful for the wonderful love and care provided to her by Eden Hill Heritage Memory Gardens, Garden Ridge Assisted Living, Hope Hospice and Heart of Texas Hospice.  Services are under the direction of Schertz Funeral Home.  She was interred at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, where she was laid to rest with her beloved husband. 
A Celebration of Life was held at 10:00am on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at First Baptist Church of Universal City.
Her life is well described in Proverbs 31: 10 – 31, “The Wife of Noble Character”
Steve Swinney, RHS CLASS OF 1970



Wednesday, July 01, 2020

MILDRED HEARN - Wife of Claude A. Hearn, Jr., First Superintendent of RHS

Mildred Hearn

OCTOBER 2, 1926 – JUNE 8, 2020

Mildred Hearn Obituary - San Antonio, TX

I lost my precious mother Monday evening. She fought hard. She was perfectly fine just 3 weeks ago. It happened so fast. I guess you're never ready. I'm really going to miss talking with her because she was so fun and so wise. No more sorrow, no more pain, no more suffering. She is healed and whole and running on streets of gold. She always helped others as best she could. I don't know how I'm going to get used to this, but I know God's grace is sufficient for me and my family. Thank you so much for praying when I asked for prayer. \\

Mildred Hearn went to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on June 8, 2020. Mildred, daughter of Arch McKinley Damron and Verda Rains Damron, was born in Pharr, TX on October 2, 1926. She graduated from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School and Southwest Texas State Teachers College in 1950. While in college, she met Claude A. Hearn, Jr., and they were united in marriage on May 27, 1948. She taught three years at McKinley Elementary School, in San Antonio, before starting her family. She was sharp as a tack and had an amazing memory. For decades, she worked the daily crossword puzzles and Jumble in the newspaper, and astonishingly mastered the Cryptoquip on a daily basis! Later in life, she discovered Sudoku and completed books in record time. She was called Nana by her youngest grandchild and Granny, by all of her other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Hearn is survived by her four children, Brian Hearn (Beverly) of Fort Worth, Heather Rathnau (Ron), of Missouri City, Scott Hearn of Mableton, GA and Marla Tews (Vince) of San Antonio; 8 grandchildren: Alison (Eric), Mallory (James), Jonathan, Amanda (Louis), Kathleen (Brandon), April (Austin), Elisabeth and Carolyn; 7 great grandchildren: Charlie, Bobby, Olivia, Kara, Ezra, Adam and Elijah; sisters-in-law, Esther Damron and Jean Hearn; 5 nieces and 4 nephews; Mrs. Hearn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Claude A. Hearn, Jr., sister and brother-in-law, Col. & Mrs. George W. Burt, III (Lois), sister, Mertie Love Damron, 3 brothers: Oslin, Archie and Jack Damron, daughter-in-law, Kathy Hearn, and nephew, Allen Wayne Damron.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a private family funeral and graveside service will be held, with Dr. Steven Branson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to: Village Parkway Baptist Church, PO Box 762410, San Antonio, TX 78245 or Wayside Chapel, 1705 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78213.

FAMILY

Mrs. Hearn is survived by her four children, Brian Hearn (Beverly) of Fort Worth, Heather Rathnau (Ron), of Missouri City, Scott Hearn of Mableton, GA and Marla Tews (Vince) of San Antonio; 8 grandchildren: Alison (Eric), Mallory (James), Jonathan, Amanda (Louis), Kathleen (Brandon), April (Austin), Elisabeth and Carolyn; 7 great grandchildren: Charlie, Bobby, Olivia, Kara, Ezra, Adam and Elijah; sisters-in-law, Esther Damron and Jean Hearn; 5 nieces and 4 nephews; Mrs. Hearn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Claude A. Hearn, Jr., sister and brother-in-law, Col. & Mrs. George W. Burt, III (Lois), sister, Mertie Love Damron, 3 brothers: Oslin, Archie and Jack Damron, daughter-in-law, Kathy Hearn, and nephew, Allen Wayne Damron.


Our parents had our portraits on the wall, but none of us know why they were not placed in birth order! Now, they are finally chronological! This picture was taken after our mother's funeral on Monday. ♥




I was having a better day today until I read my brother, Scott's eulogy of my mom aloud to Ron. Grief just hides on the inside and comes out unexpectedly. But it needs to come out. I hope you can read what my brother, Scott, so eloquently said. I want to be like my mom:

Heather

In “The Rainy Day”, Longfellow wrote “Into each life some rain must fall, some days must be dark and dreary”... It feels like it has been pouring for the last week and it feels dark and dreary...I lost my mother last week after a brief illness as did my 3 siblings, inclusive of other loving family: several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in laws and friends. Mom was the glue that held our family together. She was born into a poor and struggling family that somehow found a way out.She attended school in a one room schoolhouse with kids of all ages. By all accounts she shined intellectually and graduated from high school at age 14. She made her way with her mom and siblings from the Rio Grande valley a mile or two from the border with Mexico to San Antonio. She got a job during WW2 era with civil service. When asked if she was 18, she told her interviewer “Well, here is my High School diploma”... Since she got the highest applicant score on the clerical/ typing/ filing test, I guess he didn’t probe any deeper. Jobs were very scarce back then. She later met my father and had 4 children. Mom was always there for us. Her words matched her actions. She modeled kindness, selflessness, magnanimity,and a heart for those less fortunate. Mom loved music and literature. She had perfect pitch along with her sister Lois. All of her siblings, my aunts and uncles, were of the same character.... kind, thoughtful and ready to do anything for anybody. She also possessed a great sense of humor...how I miss our witty banter. She could still play the piano at 92. I was promised last year when I visited her next, she would play me something on piano. I was to see her in March, then Covid came, so I never got to hear her play for the last time. I imagine there are several Steinways stashed here and there in Heaven. Mom, I look forward to hearing a little Chopin or Debussy when I see you again. When my father’s life was slowly slipping away years ago, she never left his side. They would have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary this year. She never forgot birthdays, holidays or special occasions. I looked forward to receiving cards from her. They were always filled with some words of love, wisdom and encouragement. She wrote so eloquently and her cursive handwriting was beautiful. Mom remained vibrant, witty and vigorous until about 2-3 weeks before taking her last breath. She had no fear or self pity. She told me several times she was ready, she wanted to go home. She knew where her soul was headed. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. Thank you mom. You got it all right. You overcame poverty and despair, so many obstacles I need not outline here. Many years ago, I asked you who your hero was. After a few moments of reflection you said something like: no one in particular really, just the millions of people who quietly do the right thing, day in/ day out behind the scene for those who hurt or need a helping hand, while no one is looking. If I could be a fraction of the person you were, I would consider my life to be an immeasurable success. I love you with all my heart mom. Please leave your mansion light on for me, I’ll be there with you and Kathy soon. In the context of eternity and timelessness, we will all be together soon.
Love always,
Scottie

Heather Hearn Rathnau
and Scott Hearn