News Summary
Shirley Ruth Swift, a cherished matriarch from Phoenix, passed away at the age of 80. Known for her vibrant spirit and dedication to family, she leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and cherished memories among her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her impact extended beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of many in her community. No funeral service is planned, honoring her wish for a simple celebration of life.
Phoenix, Arizona – Shirley Ruth (Monroe) Swift, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on September 11, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on January 2, 1945, in Long Beach, California, she spent her life dedicated to her family and community, leaving behind a significant legacy of love and joy.
Shirley was the youngest of four children, born to Claude Neal Monroe and Winnie Audrey West. After completing Cosmetology School, she earned an Associate Degree, which laid a solid foundation for her primary role in life as a devoted mother and homemaker, a position she considered her greatest accomplishment.
She is survived by her four children: Winnie Buchanan, Georgette Underwood (husband Billy), Timothy Edward (wife Rachelle), and Rachel (husband Ronald). Additionally, Shirley was a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren: Joey (wife Brittany), Amanda (husband Anthony), Audrey, Johnny, Shelby, Mathew, Zachery, Garrison, Jacqueline, and Lillian. Her family continued to grow with the addition of twelve great-grandchildren: Lainey, Sylas, Lincoln, Emma, Johnny, Ari, Amma, Mathew, Aden, Zachary, Paisleigh, Audrey, and Michael. Also surviving her is her cherished Chihuahua, Sheldon, who will be cared for by her daughter.
Personality and Interests
Known for her vibrant spirit and outgoing personality, Shirley was described as bright, fun-loving, and the life of the party. Her home was often filled with warmth and laughter, a testament to her engaging nature. Passionate about her family, she never hesitated to express her love and affection. Harmlessly blunt, Shirley’s honesty sometimes caught her family off guard, but it was always rooted in her genuine concern.
Shirley had a variety of interests that reflected her colorful personality. She cherished the color yellow, particularly yellow roses and tulips, which stood out as symbols of her brightness. A loyal fan of the Seattle Seahawks, she enjoyed celebrating the team, often gathering with friends and family to cheer during games. Her love for food was highlighted by her fondness for meals from Wienerschnitzel, and she was known for her passion for crocheting, skillfully creating beautiful pieces. An avid viewer, Shirley never missed an episode of “Days of Our Lives,” demonstrating her commitment to her entertainment needs.
Community Impact and Family Legacy
Shirley’s impact extended beyond her immediate family; her joyful presence touched the lives of many. Friends and family will fondly remember her for the laughter she brought to gatherings and the unwavering love she radiated. Her legacy is marked by cherished memories and a profound sense of togetherness that she fostered within her family.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Jimmy. Despite her passing, her spirit will continue to resonate with those who knew her. At this time, no funeral service is planned, reflecting her wish for simplicity and a focus on celebrating the life she lived.
In conclusion, Shirley Ruth Swift will be remembered as a loving matriarch whose greatest joy was her family. Her warmth, fun-loving spirit, and the vibrant energy she brought into the lives of others will continue to be celebrated and cherished by her family and friends for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Legacy: Christine Katz Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Arizona Central: Obituary
- Google Search: Obituaries in Phoenix
- Dignity Memorial: Todd Koopot Obituary
- Google Scholar: Obituary Memorials
- Arizona Central: Another Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituaries
- Legacy: Gregory Stone Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
