Juanita Ruth (Murray) Swihart

Juanita Ruth (Murray) Swihart passed away peacefully at home on November 1, 2025. Juanita was born on April 05, 1930, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to A. W. (Hoss) Murray and Etta Mae (Taylor) Murray. When she was five days old her family moved to Fort Worth, Texas. Growing up, she attended schools in Fort Worth and the surrounding area in Texas and Oklahoma. When Juanita was thirteen years old, she worked during the summer at the soda fountain at F.W. Woolworth Company in Fort Worth and earned enough money to buy all her school clothes for the coming year. From then on, she continued working in the summers to make enough money to buy her own clothes. The family moved to Corpus Christi in 1945. Juanita graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1948 and was a member of the National Honor Society. After graduating from high school, Juanita continued studying accounting through the International Accountants Society Correspondence School as she intended to become a CPA. During this time, she worked in Corpus Christi at Shaw Jewelry Company as the Office Manager and Cline Electric Company for ten years. In 1952, Juanita met Pat Swihart. They were married in 1953, and Juanita became the stepmother of two children, Patrick Stephen Swihart, Jr. and Melinda Kathryn Swihart. Pat and Juanita had four more children; Michael Charles Swihart, Patricia Ann Swihart Johnson, Sharon Ruth Swihart and James Hoss Swihart. In 1960 the family moved to Houston, Texas, and they attended the Southwest Church of Christ. Both, Pat, and Juanita, were baptized by Jule Miller and became Christians.

The family moved to Midland, Texas in 1964. They attended and were members of Golf Course Road Church of Christ and in later years Fairmont Park Church of Christ. During those years Juanita served as an amazing mother and homemaker and was a beacon of unconditional love and unwavering support as she nurtured and guided her children with the virtues of Christianity, wisdom, and compassion. After all the children were grown and were on their own, Juanita became interested in attending dog shows as a hobby and she started entering her toy fox terriers in the events. Several of her toy fox terriers won numerous trophies. Later in years, Juanita donated the trophies she had won back to the New Mexico Toy Fox Terrier Association.

In 1986 they moved to Timberon, New Mexico. Juanita became involved in the Timberon Home Extension Club, and she was elected President the following year. While serving as President, Juanita organized various projects and fund-raising activities to support the community.

In 1992 the family moved back to Midland and then several years later they moved to Brady, Texas for a brief period to a home on the lake. They enjoyed their time at the lake with their friends and family. Eventually the family returned to Midland where they spent their remaining years.

Juanita enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting, embroidery, and needlework of any kind and watching football games on Sunday afternoon cheering on the Cowboys with her family. Most days and some evenings, Juanita could be found working on a current project in her favorite chair. She spent many hours making beautiful handmade items for her family and friends that will always be treasured. Juanita loved her family deeply. Her priorities were her family’s happiness and their well-being most of all. She lived her life with grace and dignity. Juanita trusted and loved the Lord all her life and was a devoted Christian.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Juanita was preceded in death by her spouse, Patrick Stephen Swihart, Sr. and daughter, Patricia Ann Swihart Johnson of Midland, her parents, A. W. (Hoss) Murray and Etta Mae (Taylor) Murray, one sister, Dessie Marie Anderson and two brothers, Jack Ray Murray, and James A. (Jim) Murray. Juanita is survived by her two sons, Michael Charles Swihart of Midland, Texas, James Hoss Swihart of Amarillo, Texas and her daughter, Sharon Ruth Swihart of Midland, Texas, and two stepchildren, Melinda Kathryn Parish of Kaufman, Texas, and Patrick Stephen Swihart, Jr. of Sarasota, Florida. Survivors also include nine grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10:00 am Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside will be reserved for family on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Resthaven Memorial Park, Midland, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations can be made to Fairmont Park Church of Christ, Midland, Texas, Golf Course Road Church of Christ, Midland, Texas, or New Mexico Christian Children’s Home.

Godspeed, Juanita. As we bid farewell, we celebrate a life characterized by deep commitment to family and faith. Her legacy of love, resilience, and faith will continue to inspire and guide those she loved. Her memory will be cherished and remembered with profound affection and respect. You will be dearly missed by all who knew you and were touched by your presence.

2nd Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland, Texas. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Juanita Ruth (Murray) Swihart, please visit our Tribute Store.