Barbara Jean Swonger, 85 of Abilene, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Monday, October 31, 2016. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with services at 11:00 a.m. in North's Memorial Chapel, 242 Orange St. A private family burial will be held at the Texas State Veteran's Cemetery. She was born on July 19, 1931 in Uvalde, Texas to Mac and Jennie (Smith) Pope where she was raised and met and married Jay Swonger on April 26, 1951. She was a supportive and loving wife of sixty-five beautiful years. Barbara spent most of her life caring for her family and raising her children. She worked at Dyess Air Force Base BX where she retired. She also worked for Revlon Cosmetics and Steinmart. Barbara was a faithful Christian and a member of the St. James United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mac and Jennie Pope, her sister Patsy and her daughter-in law Joy. She is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Jay Swonger. Children, Karen Ritz and husband Alvin, Larry Swonger and wife Gwen, Lisa Feick and husband John, Chris Swonger and wife Amy. She leaves her eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. James United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com