Marian Swearingen

Marian Yvonne Swearingen, age 96, of Sigourney, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Keystone Place at Forevergreen in North Liberty.

Marian was born February 8, 1926 in Oak Park, Illinois to Earl V. and Ralma M. (Huene) Smith.  She grew up in Maywood, IL and graduated from Proviso High School.  She attended Iowa State University and upon graduation in 1947 taught school in Kamrar, IA.  She was united in marriage to George Robert Swearingen on June 18, 1949 in Maywood, IL.  (George passed away February 3, 2005.) 

During her lifetime she was a substitute teacher in the Sigourney School District, was secretary and then Administrator of Manor House, was secretary for the County Superintendent of Schools and was employed by Southern Prairie AEA until her retirement.   She served as secretary for George while he was a state representative.

She was a member of PEO, Chapter L, where she served as President.  She was Past Worthy Matron of Aspasia Chapter OES #198, Sigourney.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Sigourney, and served as President of the United Methodist Women.  She was Past Chairman of the Administrative Associates to the County Superintendents office of Iowa.

She loved to travel and took several trips to Europe.  She cruised through the Panama Canal, cruised the Mexican Riviera, and also cruised to Alaska.  One of her last cruises was to the Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea and Greek Islands.   She also enjoyed reading, baking, sewing, and needlework/crafts.  Through the years she sewed and assembled many, many Mission Ingathering sewing and school kits her church sent to the less privileged.

She is survived by her children: Sue Swearingen of Iowa City, Barbara Goodale (David) of West Chester, PA and George Robert (Bob) Swearingen, Jr. (Gina) of Sigourney. 

Grandchildren:  Abigail Johanson (Jon), Downingtown, PA - Sarah Goodale, Brookhaven, PA - Michael Goodale (Samantha), West Chester, PA – William Goodale (Kayla), Carmel, IN – Jonathan Swearingen, Iowa City – Seth Swearingen, Sigourney – Shane Swearingen, Sigourney.

Great-Grandchildren:  Madeleine, Genevieve, and Lucas Johanson (Abby) and Scarlett Goodale (Michael).

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at the Sigourney United Methodist Church with Pastor Cathy Nutting officiating.  Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Sigourney.  Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 pm on Monday, August 8, 2022 at Powell Funeral Home in Sigourney where there will be a PEO service at 6:30 pm.

A memorial fund has been established for the Sigourney United Methodist Church.  Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Marian and her family.  Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com