Cherry Lee Swartz

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Cherry Lee Swartz (Beddo). Cherry passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home during the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the age of 85.

Cherry was born on Monday, February 20, 1939, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to Travis Beddo and Callie Jewel Beddo. In 1969, she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she soon met the love of her life, William "Bill" Swartz. The two married on Saturday, June 6, 1979, and shared a beautiful life filled with love, adventure, and cherished memories.

Smart, beautiful, and full of life, Cherry was a vibrant and accomplished individual who cultivated many lifelong friendships. She was an exceptional hostess, an avid bridge player, and a natural card shark, who excelled at bringing people together through her warmth and lively spirit.

Cherry enjoyed a long and successful career as a highly regarded real estate agent. Her professionalism, dedication, and keen intuition made her a trusted advisor to her clients and colleagues alike. Cherry's work was not just about selling homes-it was about helping people create the lives they envisioned. She earned the respect and admiration of those with whom she worked and derived much joy from her accomplishments in real estate, as it was a cornerstone of her life.

Cherry's creativity and sense of style extended into her personal life as well. She designed and decorated their beautiful family home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where she and Bill have resided for more than 30 years. Their home became a warm and welcoming space, reflecting her unique charm and artistic vision.

Cherry's compassion extended beyond her career and family. She and Bill opened their hearts and home to many elderly, disabled, and ill dogs over the years, lovingly providing them with comfort, care, and the "furrever" homes they deserved.

After retirement, Cherry and Bill embraced the joys of travel and explored the world together. In 2014, they purchased a cabin in Jemez, New Mexico, where Cherry found immense joy and serenity in the peaceful mountain surroundings.

For the past 50 years, Cherry was a dedicated member and officer of the Sanado Women's Club, where she enjoyed connecting with others and supporting meaningful projects.

Cherry was preceded in death by her parents, Travis Beddo and Callie Jewel Beddo. She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Bill Swartz; her sister, Patricia Millsap; her brother, Homer Beddo; her niece, Holli Millsap; her nephews, Kyle Millsap (Tory Metzger) and Britt Millsap; and her beloved great-nieces and nephews, Calli Feerer (Brianna Feerer-Huss), Rylli Millsap, Emerson Millsap, Phoenix Millsap, and many others.

Cherry's vibrant spirit, dedication, and loving nature touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community. Cherry's legacy of love, creativity, and a life well-lived will forever remain in our hearts.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Cherry's life will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Lomas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Cherry's honor to a local animal shelter or charity of your choice.