Fern Swanson

Fern Jefferies Swanson, 101, Maryville, formerly of Hopkins, MO, passed away Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 at 11:55 p.m. at Golden Living Center in Maryville, MO.

Ellen Fern was born January 10, 1911 in rural Hopkins, MO to Ernest Alfred and Elizabeth Rosetta (Ball) Jefferies.  She spent most of her early life in Bedford, Iowa and graduated from Bedford High School in 1929.  Fern then received “normal” teacher training at Iowa State Teachers College, now The University of Northern Iowa, and taught in rural Taylor County schools (Fine, Bailey, and Ross Center), for five years.

She married Stanley William Swanson on June 10, 1934 in Bedford, Iowa and moved to Hopkins, MO where she and Stanley operated the Swanson Funeral Home until retiring in December, 1977.  Stanley passed away February 22, 1989.

Fern was very active in the Hopkins community for many years and was a long time active member of the Hopkins Christian Church where she taught kindergarten Sunday School for 30 years.  She was a Campfire Girl in her youth.  An 80 year member of Easter Star, she is a past Worthy Matron and in 1965 was Grand Representative to IN.  Fern was also a member of D.S.C., Mother Advisor for the Order of Rainbow Girls, and had been a member of Chapter K, PEO in Hopkins for 74 years.

Fern enjoyed many things such as: cooking (made lots of homemade bread for others),  sewing,  crocheting, gardening, traveling, many years with the Dessert Bridge Club, and most importantly her family and serving others.

In 2004 she moved to The Chateau (assisted living) and to Golden Living Center, Maryville, in 2006 where she has been very lovingly cared for.

In addition to her husband, Stanley, Fern was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Eula Walrod.

She is survived by her daughter, Joan (Ed) Farquhar, Maryville, MO; her son, Duane (Beverly) Swanson, Colorado Springs, CO; five grandchildren: Louise (Mark) Midland, Virginia Beach, VA; Carl Farquhar, and Tim (Angela) Farquhar, Springfield, VA; Matt Swanson, Colorado Springs, CO; and Mindy (Heath) Buster, Aurora, CO;  eight great-grandchildren: Katie (John) Anderson, Drew Midland, Austin, Jordan, Morgan and Collin Farquhar, McKenna and Kylie Buster, a niece and nephew: Janet Welch and Jim (Wilma) Walrod and several other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Fern was a good mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and loved her family and friends.  She will be missed by many who knew her through the years. 

Visitation:  Hopkins Christian Church, 5-7:00, November 13, 2012 

Funeral:  Hopkins Christian Church, 11:00 AM, Novmeber 14,

Burial:  Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins, MO following service

Memorials to:  Hopkins Christian Church

Funeral arrangements by: Swanson/Price Funeral Home

Arrangements: Price Funeral Home (www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com)