MONTE VISTA — Celsa Swindle, 77, of Monte Vista passed away in Penrose Hospital, Colorado Springs on December 9, 2020.
Celsa was born in Saguache, CO to Selso Mondragon and Ester Betty Lovato on Dec. 28, 1942.
She married Robert Swindle on July 2, 1964, and he was killed in action in Vietnam on August 13, 1969. Staff Sergeant Robert Swindle received the purple heart and other commendations while in Vietnam. He was presented posthumously the Bronze Star in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.
Celsa was proceeded in death by her son Danny Roybal, her father Selso Mondragon, her mother Betty Lovato and her sister Vickie DeHerrera.
Celsa was very independent it was this quality that made her who she was. She would not ask for help because she could do everything by herself. She was an accomplished seamstress and could crochet, embroider, knit, and make quilts. She was also a good cook which she picked up as an army wife in Louisiana.
Celsa was also self-educated. She was a voracious reader and had a large collection of books. She surprised a lot of people with her vocabulary that she acquired by reading different genres of books.
In her later years, though living by herself, Celsa enjoyed eating out. Friends would see her driving her jeep and sometimes go to Chapman Park to eat and watch the traffic drive by. She enjoyed spending time with her friends especially Joleen and Brenda. All her friends would call her grandma.
Celsa is survived by Leonard, Veronica Herbert from Pueblo. She is also survived by her stepmother Gloria Mondragon of Denver, Josie (Richard) Sanchez of Monte Vista, Sandra (Allen) Gonzales of Pueblo. Joan Mondragon, Judy (Steve) DeHererra from Thornton and Joe (June) Mondragon of Monte Vista.
She was also survived by many nieces and nephews and her wild woman Deja Sanchez from Monte Vista.
Celsa’s wish was for no service. She was cremated by Romero Funeral Home in Alamosa.
A private family interment will take place at Monte Vista Cemetery when weather permits in Spring or Summer.
