Julie Ann Swanson

Julie Ann Swanson (nee McLaughlin), 68, from Stephenville, Tx, passed away Monday, January 16, 2012 from complications of lymphoma at Harris Methodist Hospital in Ft. Worth, Tx. Services will be held at St. Brendan's Catholic Church on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Philip McNamara officiating. Burial will be at Pilot Knob Cemetery in Erath County . A reception will be held at St. Brendan's Newman Hall, 1444 W Washington, Stephenville, Tx. after the burial. Rosary will be Friday, January 20, 2012 at 6:00 P.M. at Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel. Julie was born in Fort Macleod, Ab, Canada, on July 23, 1943. She grew up on her family's ranch in the mountains (west of Pincher Creek, Ab in the Beaver Mines area) where her family raised cattle and horses. She was an accomplished horsewoman, who enjoyed show jumping, jockeying horses on the race track and barrel racing at professional rodeos on the horses she trained. In June of 1969, she married NFR Saddle Bronc Rider Chuck Swanson. In 1976, their only child, Molly, was born. Chuck and Julie raised and trained Thoroughbred race horses for several years in Alberta and then in Montana. Julie really enjoyed competing at rodeos along with her daughter, Molly. Julie took pride in her barrel horses' consistent performances and smooth style of performing. In 2005 Julie and Chuck decided to move to the warmer climate of Texas where they could be closer to Molly and her husband Turtle. In Stephenville,Texas, she enjoyed competing and training at the Lonestar Arena, where she gained many friends. Some of Julie's most cherished moments were when Molly won the Calgary Stampede and qualified for the National Finals Rodeo on her favorite horse Shadow. In August of 2011 the most cherished moment of all was birth of her first grandchild, Layne Edward Powell. Julie is survived by her husband of 43 years, Chuck, her daughter Molly Powell (Turtle), Stephenville, Tx, and grandson Layne Edward. She is also survived by her sister Geraldine Metcalfe (John), Airdrie, Ab, Canada, brother Frank McLaughlin, Pincher Creek, Ab, Canada and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceeded in death by her father Arthur Pettifor, and parents Judge and Rosalie McLaughlin. If friends so desire, donations may be made in her memory online to www.lls.com (The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), San Antonio Chapter or www.llscanada.org (Canadian Chapter of Leukemia and Lyphoma Society).