Glendora Swaim photo


Glendora Swaim
Date Of Birth:	October 17, 1912
Date Of Death:	February 24, 2010

Glendora Ruth Swaim, 97, passed away peacefully at home in Bloomington on February 24. Glendora was born on October 17, 1912, in Lapel, Indiana, to Dr. William W. and Maude (Huffman) Ketcham. She graduated from Indiana University with a BA in English in 1934 and returned to IU to obtain a Masters in Library Science in 1968. She enjoyed both the world of a stay-at-homemom and, after her children were grown, a career as an Associate Librarian in the Serials Department of the IU Main Library. Glendora was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, Alpha Xi Chapter, and was an enthusiastic member of the Zeta house committee for many years. She was also a member of Tri Kappa, University Women's Club, the American Library Association, and the First United Methodist Church. After her retirement, she volunteered at the Monroe County Library. Glendora enjoyed a long and happy life. She loved playing the piano and activities with family and friends. She was an excellent seamstress, an enthusiastic bridge player, a pretty decent golfer in her younger days, and always a wonderful, caring mother and friend. She loved everything IU, especially basketball, holding season tickets to the end. (Go Hoosiers!)

Glendora was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gilbert E. Swaim (1983); sister, Kathleen Goin (Roger); and brother, Dr. John W. Ketcham (Ruby, who survives). She is survived by daughters; Suellen Miller (Robert Shull) of Bloomington and Julie Ryan (Tom) of Louisville; brother, Robert Ketcham of Prescott, AZ (Bonnie, deceased); granddaughters Lori Wade (Steven) of Bloomington and Michele Miller of Carlisle, PA; great grandchildren, Jenny and Mitchell Wade, Bloomington; nephew, John Ketcham (Leah), Bloomington; and nieces Brenda Goin Smith (Fred Smart), Louisville, Benny Jane Holt (Tom, deceased), Bloomington, and Jenny Lane Williams (Clem) of Tempe, AZ, and many other nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Bloomington Hospital. Relatives and friends will be notified of a memorial gathering to be held at a later date and can offer condolences at www.allenfuneralhome.org

From: Jim Bretz
Location:Union City
Swaim Family: I can remember how nice Mrs. Swaim was to me many years ago.I extend my sympathy to Suellen and Julie. Sincerly, J. Bretz

From: Jane Barr Torres
Location:Bloomington, IN
Susi, Julie, and Family, Your mother had a long, wonderful life and was so well taken care of in her later years. Now she is reunited with the family and friends who have gone before and you two may rest. When I think of her, how the memories and the gratitude come flooding back. The memories of the lake, the music, and the enduring strong friendship of our families. I remember that I felt safe moving my family to Bloomington because she was here. And most of all, I'll always remember that she believed in me enough that she was willing to lend her support to provide me the opportunity that launched my 30 year career with IU. Thank you Glendora (who will always be Dode to me)! My thoughts are with the family, --Jane

From: Georganne Binnie
Location:Chicago
Dear Julie & Susi, I will always remember your Mom's warm smile and gentle chuckle. She had a twinkle in her eye and a zest for life. I hope you will both be comforted by remembering all the good times you enjoyed together. We will keep you and your families in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you, Georganne & Bill Binnie

From: Bill Dickens
Location:Mt. Pleasant, SC
What a wonderful lady and Mother. I often visited the Swaim's home and was never treated better than by this gracious and thoughtful woman. Julie, and Family, you ALL were very lucky to have had such a decent and loving Mom. My Sincere Condolences - Bill Dickens

From: Kay Colgan
Location:Prescott, AZ
My thoughts are with you. I only met Aunt Dode a few times. I did get to hear stories from my Dad over the years and know that she was a wonderful person and sister. Over the years hearing stories of her and her exercise routines (in her later years)and how active she was inspired me. She seemed to live life to the fullest. Take comfort in knowing that she had a great life and did enjoy it.

From: Deborah York
Location:Knoxville, TN
Glendora had a lasting effect on my life and I honor her memory. I worked for her in the Serials Dept. for only 2 years but she inspired me to be a librarian. She had the enthusiasm and joy in her profession that helped me understand that librarians could be fun. She supported me and inspired me to learn library systems and it amazed that she embraced new technology (given she was much older than me.) I tried to send her a letter every Christmas and really looked forward to getting her card. She almost always sent hers before I got mine out. We also shared a love of IU basketball and often wrote about them in our cards. I will always hold her in my heart and be blessed for having had her in my life. Deborah York IU 1976-78