Roberta “Bobby” Sward, age 90, of Denton, NE passed away peacefully at the Tabitha Journey House on July 9, 2019. She was born on February 18, 1929 to Kenneth and Cecilia (Damm) Flory at her grandparents’ home in Carleton, NE. Bobby grew up in Lincoln and attended Teachers College High School, later known as University High, where she met her future husband, Alfred Sward. She completed two years in the Art Department at the University of Nebraska, She and Al were united in marriage on June 24, 1950.
Bobby was a charter member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. During her lifetime she was involved in many organizations and activities. She served as President of the Downtown Lincoln La Sertoma Club and SE District Governor of La Sertoma, also served as President of Tabitha Auxiliary, and was a former President of the Lincoln Artists Guild. Bobby was an artist/member of Avenue Art Gallery for 15 years, and was one of the original artists (and beloved teacher) at The Burkholder Project for 25 years.
Bobby’s art accomplishments include winning the Juror’s Merit Award in the Fred Wells Show, a 10-state competition at Nebraska Wesleyan University. That painting is now part of NWU’s permanent collection. Another of her paintings won Best of Show at the Nebraska State Fair, and finally, she won her membership into the select group, Women Artists of the West. Bobby was a gifted artist who shared her passion through teaching for over 40 years.
Surviving family members include; daughters: Carol (Jeff) Most of Lincoln, NE, Joyce (Paul) Malone of York, NE, Lynne (Bob) Ortlieb of Lincoln, NE, son Allen Sward of Lincoln, NE, grandchildren: Bo (Amber) Jones of Lincoln, NE, Dara (Justin) Ricketts of Steamboat Springs, CO, Beth (Elliott) Ludy of Steamboat Springs, CO, Erin (Scott) Marsh of Louisburg, KS, Kelly (Allison) Malone of Gretna, NE, Meghan (Justin) Duff of Leawood, KS, Malinda Ortlieb of Lincoln, NE and Russell Ortlieb of Lincoln, NE; great-grandchildren: Taylor and Brody Jones of Lincoln, Kensie and Shian Ricketts of Steamboat Springs, CO, Calder Ludy of Steamboat Springs, CO, Owen, Conner, Hailey, Lila and Declan Marsh of Louisburg, KS, Sydney and Cody Malone of Gretna, NE, Hudson, Avery, Everett and Davis Duff of Leawood, KS; sister Georgia Lutzi of McCook, NE and sister-in-law Eloise Sward of Sully, IA. Bobby was preceded in death by her parents, husband Alfred, and brothers-in-law Bob Sward and Norman Lutzi.
Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 1015 Lancaster Lane.
Family will be greeting friends one hour prior to service.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Tabitha Foundation and St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.