Marliss Sward, age 70, of Matthews, N.C., passed away Nov. 20, 2006, at her home.

She was born Oct. 19, 1936, in Hayward, the daughter of the late Martin and Luella Moen Hatleli. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 25, at McEwen Funeral Service Mint Hill Chapel in Charlotte, N.C. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery in Matthews, N.C. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Marliss Lorraine Sward leaves a rich legacy of faith to her beloved family; surviving are her four children, Cheryl Engskow and husband James of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., David Sward and wife Robin of Delray Beach, Fla., Karen Woodfin and husband Tony of Matthews, N.C., and Mark Sward and wife Melissa of Mint Hill; her two brothers, Duane Hatleli and wife Eunice and Clayton Hatleli and wife Shirley all of Albert Lea; her twin sister, Marlene Sorenson and husband Gordon of Albert Lea; 24 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. Gordon A. Sward.

Arrangements are in the care of McEwen Funeral Service Mint Hill Chapel.