Elizabeth Martha (Rodgers) Swanson  1935-2026

Libby was born on April 21,1935 in St. John’s Newfoundland and passed away on August 11, 2026, at her home in Bishop CA surrounded by her family.

 

Libby’s parents were Robert Bond Rodgers and Dorothy Louise (England) Rodgers. Her father died when she was only 2 ½ years old. After his death her older sisters, Florence and Mary, went to live at the Church of England Orphanage. The orphanage was run like a girls boarding school to help families in need. When Libby was 5 years old, she was finally old enough and excited to join her sisters. She loved being in the orphanage and had many fond memories and great stories about growing up there. Libby learned to knit and crochet at a young age, and it became a lifelong passion. All the girls had to help keep the building clean and she was proud that her section of the dining room floor was always scrubbed the cleanest. As she got older, she loved caring for the younger girls. On the weekends and holidays, Libby and her older sisters were able to spend time at home with their mother, 3 brothers, Jack, Fred, Edgar and younger sister Carol, grandparents and the rest of the family.

 

Libby met Rudy on a blind double date while he was in the Air Force, stationed in St. John’s NFLD and they became inseparable. On September 3, 1953, they were married in a small church ceremony in Pasadena, CA. They had 3 children Rod, JoAnn and Roger.

 

Because of her love of children, especially babies, Libby was involved with foster care and babysitting for most of her life. After moving to Bishop in 1968, she started working at the phone company as an operator and made many good friends and memories there. She retired from the phone company after 30 years.

 

Libby was famous for her doll collection, and she was very proud of it. She has over 330 dolls and most of them have hand knitted outfits made by Libby. Most of her dolls came from yard sales, thrift stores or were gifts.

 

Many generations were gifted hand knitted Afghans, slippers and baby blankets, sweaters and booties.

 

Libby was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Her grandchildren have many fond memories of the vacations she and Rudy took them on.

 

Libby was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Rudy and their son Roger.

 

Libby is lovingly remembered by her children and spouses: Rod & Lisa Swanson, JoAnn & Bob Mayhugh; grandchildren and spouses; Lance & Shelley Mayhugh, Alan & Kristen Swanson, Jennifer Mayhugh Cummings, Andy & Sarah Swanson; great-grandchildren and spouses; Sidney Hood, Connor & Hallie Lynch, Fiona Swanson, Lane Swanson, Avery Swanson, Darby Swanson, Grant Swanson, Tatum Swanson, Gavin Cummings, Layton Mayhugh; great-great-grandchildren; Redding Hewitt, Anakin Lynch, Rhodes Antezana; sister Carol Ann St George who lives in Ireland; Roger’s widow, Luella (Hugh) Erfurth and her son Jonathan Yocum. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members.

 

Libby is deeply loved and will be truly missed.