Martha Jane Purcell Swopes was born September 2, 1927 in Reydon, Oklahoma to Kitty and John Bert Purcell. She passed away December 27, 2004 at Altus, Oklahoma at the age of 77 years, 3 months and 25 days.

She graduated from Reydon High School and married Jack Swopes at Sayre, Oklahoma on February 22, 1944. She worked as a hospital nurse, as a nurse for Dr. Sugarman and Dr. Baker and at Community Hospital at the Registration Desk. She was also employed for 5 years at the District Attorney's office and for 10 years as secretary of the Elk City United Methodist Church. Jane attended L.P.N. School in Clinton during 1972 and 1973.

She was a life long member of Elk City United Methodist Church where she belonged to the Wednesday morning Prayer Group, the church Evangelism group, the ois Smith Group and was a member of the Administrative Board. Her hobbies included sewing, crafts, being with her grandchildren and square dancing. She and Jack belonged to the Western Swing Club where Jane held many District Offices over the years including President of the Southwest District.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 son-in-law, Ronald Jencks, 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

Services were held Wednesday December 29, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at Elk City United Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Daniel Pulver and assisted by Rev. Roy Rowan and Rev. Jack Atkinson. Burial will be at Fairlawn Cemetery, Elk City, Beckham County, Oklahoma under the direction of Whinery-Savage Funeral Service, Elk City. Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Texas 75265-0309.

She is survived by her husband Jack of the home, 2 daughters Alana Jane Jencks; Cheyenne, Oklahoma; Deborah Jac Ihrig and husband Mark, Bristow, Oklahoma; 2 sons, Randall Craig Swopes and wife, Geri; Lake Charles, Lousianna, Danny Gregg Swopes and wife Cindy; Tuttle, oklahoma; 8 grandchildren Sherri, Jack, Wendie, Millie, Sarah, Chris, Brian, Kelly; 10 great grandchildren, 2 sisters Atrell Hooper, Elk City, Oklahoma; Adell Simpson, Clinton, Oklahoma; June Devin, Woodward, Oklahoma. Special friends Taco and Chico, and a host of other relatives and friends.