Reta Carol Rose Swoope

Reta Carol Rose Swoope, age 84, of 811 McCormick Blvd, Clifton Forge, Virginia died on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at her residence.
Reta was born on December 4, 1939 in Rich Patch, Virginia to the late Van Howard Rose and Edrie Inez Humphries Rose. She grew up in the family home in Rich Patch and spent time in her family’s store in Iron Gate, where she came to know so many of the area’s families. She graduated from Central High School in 1956 and then entered into her college years at Ferrum Junior College. In 1958, she transferred to Radford College as a Junior, and there earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. She also received a Master of Arts in Education from the State University of New York in 1981, and served as a teacher for Alleghany Highlands Public Schools for many years. Reta was an avid reader and supporter of the Clifton Forge Public Library, and was a founding board member of The Friends of the Library. With her many friends, she helped spearhead annual book sales to support library programs, including presentations by visiting authors. A serious genealogist and member of the Alleghany Historical Society, she helped the library acquire a microfilm reader so families and local history buffs could access the treasure trove of records only available through that format.
Reta was for years a faithful poll worker during election seasons, and a member of the Clifton Forge Women’s Club. She was especially fond of the Christmas Home tours, a major fundraiser for the club’s service projects. She and her husband Ronnie were active members of the Clifton Forge Shrine Club, supporting their annual Fall Festival fundraising for the Shriners Children’s Hospitals, and she was also a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary.
Reta married Ronald Swoope on August 5, 1960. Ronnie’s career with the railroad led to homes in Kentucky, Connecticut, New York, and multiple locations in Virginia, where they raised their children, Michael and Rhonda.
In addition to her husband, Ronnie, Reta is survived by her son, Michael Leigh Swoope and wife Lynette of Richmond; her daughter Rhonda Delucia of Connecticut; her sister Nancy Craft of Richmond; grandchildren, Cara, Justin, and Mark Lewis; a great granddaughter, Vanessa Swoope: and many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend James David Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor. The family will visit with friends on Friday afternoon from 12:00 PM until the time of service at Nicely Funeral Home.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfunerlhome.com