Keta Swyden Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Marquette Joy "Keta" (Cohlmia) Swyden died peacefully in her home late Saturday morning with her oldest & loving son, Scott, with & caring for her as he has for years. She was 86. Keta was born June 14, 1931 in Waynoka, Oklahoma, proud home of Little Sahara State Park. She was the baby of four children & only daughter of Charlie Shafik & Mary (Zammer) Cohlmia, who had lost two daughters as infants. She was unique from the beginning. With a beautiful singing voice & a flair to entertain, Keta was simply "contagious fun!" She was bold, outspoken & honest to a fault, and the best, most loyal friend a person could hope for; all the while keeping you on course to reach your life's potential. Not only did she continually stay in contact with people from all walks of her life....her Waynoka classmates, her large extended family, the First Christian Church NE Oklahoma Association, and the extensive Lebanese community throughout the south and Midwest US...she kept everyone connected; organizing reunions, conventions & traveling to attend weddings, landmark anniversaries and other events. Keta married Alex Swyden on October 4, 1959 at her home in Waynoka. They moved to Henryetta, Oklahoma where Alex owned & operated the Henryetta Bakery. She lived in Henryetta for over 40 years. Quickly making Henryetta her home, Keta fell in love with the community and its residents. Lifelong friendships were developed quickly and along with others, she had a positive impact on this wonderful town. Keta later helped Alex in the bakery. She hired & trained front counter help and decorated cakes with a natural freehand script that was beautiful. She volunteered and was a key fundraiser for numerous community projects over the years. After tragically losing her husband, Alex, in an oilfield accident that shook the community, Keta exemplified her Christian faith by continuing to live life, help others and better the world around her. She truly impacted anyone she came in contact with. Keta was preceded in death by her husband, Alex; her parents, Charlie, Mary, & step-mother Adele Kraker Cohlmia; 3 brothers, Vic Cohlmia (wife Edith), Bob Cohlmia, & Gene Cohlmia (wife Helen). She is survived by two sons, Scott Swyden of Oklahoma City, & Stan Swyden (wife Kara) of Tulsa; granddaughter & apple of Keta's eye, Shelbi Alexxis Swyden; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members as well as a tremendous number of friends that she valued so dearly. Keta loved life, people & most of all her Lord. Orthodox Trisagion Prayer Service will be held at 6:30 pm Tuesday at St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 15000 N. May Ave, Okc, Ok. 73134. Funeral service will be at 11:00 am Wednesday at First Christian Church, 412 N. 5th St., Henryetta, Ok. 74437. If you feel led to do so, please make a contribution to St Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) as Keta did throughout her life. "God loves you & so do I" - Keta

Keta Swyden

September 2, 2017