Bette "Bootsie" (Farrell) Swearingen, 75, died peacefully in her sleep at home on May 24 of complications from diabetes. Born Sept. 1, 1931, in Panama City, Republic of Panama. Bette was the only child of Frank and Alberta Farrell and was diagnosed with diabetes at twelve. Her diagnosis never hampered her love of tennis, volleyball, swimming, and waterskiing in Gatun Lake. Bette married Richard "Buckeye" Swearingen in 1952 and, despite many complications and the loss of two babies, Bette and Buckeye raised three healthy boys in the Canal Zone. In 1980 the family moved to Ft. Collins, Colorado, and Bette started work with Western Area Power Authority as an administrative assistant. Bette often enjoyed commuting the 12 miles to work by bicycle, as well as shopping and attending the theatre with her best friend, Jeanne. In 1992 she retired to spend time playing tennis and traveling to see her grandchildren and lifelong friends from the Panama Canal Zone. Bette cared passionately about the well-being of all animals, especially the many dogs and cats that she adopted. She was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Johns Parish in Fort Collins. As her health was failing, she was moved to E. Middlebury, Vermont, to be cared for by her children Jody and Cathy Swearingen, in conjunction with her husband Richard, who gave her constant love and care for 54 years. Her nurse Kristin, Addison County Hospice, and all of her wonderful caretakers have been much appreciated by Bettes family. Bette is survived by her husband Richard, her son Jody and his wife Cathy (Ripton, VT), son Paul and his wife Nita (Charlotte, NC), son Lee and his wife Stacy (Eden Prairie, MN), close family member, Debbie Swearingen, and her favorite four-legged companion, Fulo. "Muz" also leaves behind five grandchildren: Brandon, Dylann, Patrick, Brynne, and Sullivan. She was predeceased by her infant boys, Gary and Dean. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.sandersonfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bettes memory may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice Inc. P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, Vermont 05753, [emailprotected]. or a local Humane Society or animal relief organization. Private family memorial to be held at a later date.