Josephine Swift

Josephine Vernetta Bolin Millhollin Swift passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, in Coal Creek, Colorado, at the age of 104. 

Josephine was born on September 22, 1921, in Canon City, Colorado, one half of a twin pair. Her brother, Joseph Vern, was born shortly after her. When they were just one year and twenty days old, Joseph passed away from pneumonia. 

Josephine joined a family that already included two older sisters and one older brother. After she and Joseph were born, three more sisters and two more brothers completed the family. 

She was raised in Canon City during the winters and spent her summers in the mountains on the family ranch. Josephine attended school through the ninth grade. 

Music was woven deeply into her childhood. Her father, Benjamin Franklin Bolin, could play nearly any string instrument. With a sister playing the piano, the family performed for local dances, traveling as a group wherever they were invited. Josephine and her sisters sang, filling the halls with music during difficult times. 

Growing up during the Great Depression shaped her strong work ethic. She and her sisters worked for the National Youth Administration, sewing men’s shirts and baby clothes in the basement of a local church. 

At nineteen, Josephine married Lee Henry Millhollin Sr., and together they welcomed five children. Though their marriage did not last, she later married Willie Joseph Swift, who lovingly helped raise the family and with whom she welcomed a set of twins. Josephine chose a good and devoted man to stand beside her and to be a father to her children. 

Josephine was primarily a stay-at-home mother while her children were young, but throughout her life she worked many jobs. She labored in a relative’s fields weeding and hoeing beets, topping onions, and picking corn. She worked in potato sheds, apple barns, a corn cannery, cleaned houses, and even cleaned a slaughterhouse. She was never afraid of hard work. 

While living in Idaho, Josephine became a Tupperware dealer, a role she truly enjoyed. She believed wholeheartedly in what she sold and loved connecting with others. In Colorado, she also sold Creative Circle needlepoint supplies. 

After returning to Colorado, she worked at the Paradise Restaurant and cleaned motels before beginning a job with Estes Rockets, where she fondly said she was “filling little boys’ orders.” When orders arrived from children around the world, she carefully packed them, saving interesting stamps for collectors. After retiring from Estes, she worked approximately seven years at the Salvation Army store. 

Josephine found joy in creating. She crocheted, sewed, and lovingly made quilts for nearly all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed square dancing and was a member of a bowling team, proudly earning a trophy for “Most Improved Bowler.” 

Josephine was born at 1315 River Street (now Royal Gorge Boulevard) in Canon City, Colorado, to Benjamin Franklin and Clara (Leonard) Bolin. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Fannie, Agnes, Jessie “Tootie,” Philda, and Betty; her brothers Joseph Vern (her twin), Ben “Sonny,” and Jack; her husbands Lee Millhollin Sr. and Willie J. Swift; and her sons William “Bill” Swift and Lee Millhollin Jr. 

She is survived by her brother Robert “Bill” Bolin of Canon City; her children Patricia Thomas and Eva Jo (Ray) Miller of Idaho; Bessie (Robert) Lancaster of Canon City, Colorado; Jack (Lola) Millhollin of New Mexico; Willie F. Swift and daughter-in-law Leann Swift of Rockvale, Colorado. 

Josephine leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 45 grandchildren, 150+ great-grandchildren, and 50+ great-great-grandchildren. 

She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Josephine’s life was marked by resilience, music, service, creativity, and deep devotion to family. Her hands were rarely still, and neither was her heart. She witnessed more than a century of change, touched countless lives, and leaves behind generations shaped by her strength, kindness, and love. Her legacy will continue through the many lives she influenced and the family she cherished so deeply. 

A graveside service will be held on June 11, 2026 at 11 A.M. at Union Highland Cemetery in Florence, CO. Arrangements entrusted to Harwood Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.harwoodfuneras.com 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to JJ’s Helping Paws. 

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