Tula Rose (Sparks) Hendrix

Tula Rose Swafford Hendrix passed away May 19, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. 

She was born in Asheville, NC in February 1930 to Wayne and Georgia Thompson Sparks. After graduating from high school in Canton, NC, Tula attended Asheville Business College and worked for 17 years at Champion Paper Company. Tula married Bill Swafford on January 3, 1953.

Tula, Bill, and their daughter Pat moved to Benson AZ in February 1969 where they purchased the Quarter Horse Motel. That was the days of the mom and pop businesses and they lived behind the office.  Tula and Bill welcomed many people to their dinner table. Sometimes it would be someone travelling through Benson with very little money or just someone with whom they formed an immediate friendship. Tula also took care of many of the winter visitors over the years. Taking them to doctor appointments or driving them across the country to their home when their spouse died. Tula had a vivacious personality and made friends wherever she went. And you never had to wonder what she thought.

Left to honor Tula and remember her love are her daughter Pat (Dan) Barrera, three grandchildren Emily (Chris) Jaegers, Katie Barrera, and Steven Barrera and two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Sienna Jaegers. 

Tula’s grandchildren were her heart and joy. Also surviving Tula are her sister Freida Burrell and many nieces and nephews.  Tula was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Robert, and sister Roberta.

A celebration of Tula”s life will be held on June 11, 2019 at 4 pm at First Baptist Church 983 S Ocotillo Ave Benson AZ.

Those who desire may make memorial donations in memory of Tula to TMC Hospice 5301 E Grant Rd Tucson AZ 85712. Or First Baptist Church 983 S Ocotillo Benson AZ 85602  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tula Rose (Sparks) Hendrix, please visit our floral store.