Jean Swanson, 86, formerly of Viola, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, after a long life, well-lived. Funeral services will be at Dennison Funeral Home, Viola, at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 11, with visitation one hour before. Burial will follow at the Viola Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Viola Presbyterian Church or the Alexis Fire Department.
Jean was born April 11, 1937, in Neponset, Illinois, to the late Ralph and Lottie Stabler. She graduated from Neponset High School and AIC Business School. She worked at Dohrn Transfer before marrying Ray Swanson on October 6, 1956, and moving to a farm in the Viola area. They celebrated 64 years of marriage before Ray passed in November 2020.
Jean owned and operated Viola Flowers for a number of years before she retired in 1992. She was a great cook and loved to entertain, whether it was the wiener roast on the farm, family Christmas celebration, or ladies card club. She also enjoyed playing games – golf, dominoes, marbles, and almost any kind of cards. She learned the Mario Brothers video game when her first two grandsons came along so she could spend quality time with the grandkids. She was also an avid Cubs and Bears fan.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she is preceded in death by her son, Gary; grandson, Nathan Fulton; and her sister, Joyce Baetens.
She is survived by her sister, Janice Hansen; daughters, Debora Allen, Beckie (Steve) Fulton, and Marcie (Jack) Lampo; grandchildren, Rhett Allen, Noah (Nikki) Fulton, Sara (Josh) Wruck, Eli (Sara) Lampo, Chloe (Ben) Drury, Jill (John) Winters, and Jody Montalto; and great grandchildren, Lily Jean Wruck, Emmett and Fionna Fulton, and Kyle and Luke Montalto.
Online condolences may be left at www.dennisonfuneralhome.com.