Marti Swenson Barton

Marti Swenson Barton passed away peacefully on July 19th, 2025, in Thousand Oaks, California, at the age of 80. She is survived by eight brothers and one sister; her children Dena Marshall, Corinne Bordelon, Ryan Barton, and Tracy Garcia; thirteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren.

Born August 20,1944, in San Mateo, California, Marti was the eighth of thirteen children born to Richard D. Swenson and Mildred A. Swenson (Herr).

Marti will be remembered for her quick wit and easy smile. She also enjoyed gardening, canning fruits and jams, sewing, game shows and spoiling her beloved dog Chloe. Odds are you would find Marti with a basket of yarn and a crochet needle in hand, crafting an afghan blanket.

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Marti was actively involved in her local congregation. She worked with the teenage girls as a leader and counselor, and spent years volunteering as the director of the church’s girls’ summer camp in the Sierra Mountains.

As a single parent later in life, Marti took the initiative to begin her college education. She first enrolled at Gavilan College in Gilroy, where she was active in student leadership. After transferring to San Jose State University, she earned a bachelor degree in social work. Knowing she would have a greater impact in her chosen field with an advanced degree, Marti continued her education, graduating with a master’s degree in social work, also from SJSU, and was subsequently certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

In 2014, after a nearly two decade career with Monterey County as a behavioral health manager counseling at-risk youth and their families, Marti retired. During her time with the county, Marti also trained and volunteered with the local hostage negotiating team, and provided mental health support for local first responders. Following her retirement, Marti moved to Thousand Oaks to be near family.

Marti leaves behind a legacy of service, both personally and professionally. She will be missed by those who loved her.

A memorial service will be held for Marti on August 15, 2025, at 10:30am at the LDS church located at 1600 Erbes Road in Thousand Oaks, California. A light lunch will be served afterwards, where we encourage all to linger and share memories of Marti.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Marti’s name to:

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research