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Date Posted: 2006-07-14
Maiden Name: Pickering

Irene C. Swanson, 93, of Lexington, died Friday, July 14, 2006, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday July 19, at First Untied Methodist Church in Lexington with Rev. Todd Karges officiating. Burial will be prior to the memorial service at 10 a.m., in Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation was Tuesday, July 18, and will be prior to burial on Wednesday, July 19, at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Reynolds-Love Funeral Homes in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include son, Gordon (Judy) Swanson of Prescott, Ariz.; three daughters, Beth (Duane) Dunbar of North Platte, Connie (LaVern) Franzen of Hastings, and Jeanene (Mark) Cordes of Waverly; three sisters, Edith Anderson of Lexington, Harriette Furry of Lexington, and Ella Brown of Olathe, Kan.; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harry Swanson; brother Howard Pickering; and two grandsons.

Irene was born March 4, 1913, in Lexington, to James and Bessie (Howard) Pickering. She grew up in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1931. After graduating from high school she attended Kearney Teachers College.

Irene's grandparents came from England in 1873, and homesteaded eight miles north of Plum Creek. On Christmas Day 1933, Irene married Harry Swanson in Minden. The family lived and farmed south of Lexington until 1995, when Harry and Irene moved into Lexington. Harry preceded her in death in 1999.

Irene was a member of First United Methodist Church, several bridge clubs, neighbor clubs, and Cosmo Pals. She was a wonderful seamstress and cook. In later years, she made many afghans for her grandchildren.Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or donor's choice.