LOIS E. SWANSON (nee Johnson) age 98, beloved wife of the late Col. Ernest E., Jr.; loving mother of Leslie Stevenson (Mark), Sarah Schlotterback (Thomas), E. Victor (Elaine), and Kermit (Lynn); devoted grandmother of Kristen Knoll (Patrick), Ryan, Adam (Jennifer), and Jenna Phillips (Franco Ferrara), Peter, Linnea, and Evan Swanson and step-grandmother of Brooke and Mark Schlotterback (Makenzie), Laura Shpak (Steve) and Erica Boyne (Tom) and great-grandmother of Katelynn, Annika, Peyton and Jack; cherished daughter of the late G. Victor and Sigrid (nee Olson) Johnson; preceded in death by two sisters and one brother; dear aunt and great aunt of many.
Lois was born February 5, 1924 and died peacefully on March 26, 2022. She lived in Highland Heights for the last five years but resided in Gates Mills for the previous fifty. She was an active member for Peace Lutheran Church, formerly Bethlehem Lutheran. She was a member of the choir, Altar Guild and Lutheran Church Women.
Lois graduated from Axtell High School in 1941 and went on to attend and graduated from Kansas State, where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority, Mortar Board Honor Society, and Mu Phi Epsilon Music Fraternity.
Lois worked as a teacher and volunteered as an election presiding judge. Lois was also a member of the Gates Mills Garden Club, The Swedish Cultural Society and Gates Mills Community Club.
She was dedicated to her family and as a homemaker enjoyed cooking and baking. She also enjoyed singing and was a Cleveland and Kansas State sports fan. She enjoyed big band, classical and choral music.
Lois was a people magnet. She was humble, loving, giving and compassionate. She never met a stranger. She was caring and a friend to all.
She will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lois’s memory to Peace Lutheran Church. Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Celebration of Life Service Friday, April 1, 2022 at 11 AM at Peace Lutheran Church 3740 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121. Family will receive friends immediately following for reception in the church social hall. Private inurnment at Gates Mills North Cemetery. Arrangements by THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID.
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Brint Learned
Such a wonderful woman and what an extraordinary life! The Rabbit Run family is sending you all our love and support.
Rita Rzepka
Dear Family.
Lois was a beautiful person. I knew her for over 50 years, even when she lived on Ranchland. We were all friends with with Sally and Jerry Katz. Lois would fill me in on your family through her keeping in touch with Leslie for a long time. When we moved to Gates Mills Lois and I played bridge together for many years even extending to when she lived at the nursing home. Condolences to all the family. Rita Rzepka
Leslie Stevenson
Thank you, Rita. We loved growing up on Ranchland and Mom and Dad loved living in Gates Mills, too. Bridge games were always a highlight for Mom. I know she enjoyed the challenge of the game, but even more, the relationships she maintained.
Jan Carlisle
Our entire family send our prayers to your family as we learned of Lois’s
Passing. She was a wonderful friend for
Years. Jan and Jerry Carlisle along with
All our children.
Leslie Stevenson
Thank you, Jan.
Kermit Swanson
Thank you so much. Mom loved all her friends and activities in Gates Mills and I loved growing up there!
Kermit
Linda Winquist Mulcahy
Lois was a very special lady. She never forgot her Kansas roots and stayed in touch with her Salem relatives and friends. Lois was baptized, confirmed, and married at Salem Lutheran Church. She would bring her kids out to Axtell, KS in the summers when Ernie was gone for his annual Reserve/Guard duty. She was a dear friend of my mother’s and I got to know her even better when I moved to western NY. She and I would talk about the “old days” at Salem. I shall miss her.
Leslie Stevenson
Thank you,Linda, for keeping in touch with Mom and helping her to remember her Axtell roots and all her friends and relatives there.
Annette M McGonnell
Vic, Elaine and the Entire Swanson Family
My sincere condolences for the loss of your mom, grandma and Aunt Lois. I know it’s sad that she won’t be with you in person anymore but I know she will be kept alive in spirit by all of her family and friends that loved her. To live 98 years…oh the stories she could tell I’m sure. Such a life full of accomplishments and actual participation! An inspiration to all she left behind to be all that you can be and to do what makes you happy. Cheers to a life well lived and may her memory always make you smile. Hugs sent your way to you all.
Barbara
I will miss you.
From Barbara the housekeeper.
God Bless the family.
Sarah Schlotterback
Thank you Barb. You were a special person to Mom. She was always glad to see you as was I when I was able to visit Aberdeen. Thanks for getting her sheets right on her bed! 🙂
Margaret Frankel
Sweet Lois, we can’t say enough of this most lovely lady, kind, warm, and loving. Lois was a delight to be around, she will be missed dearly & her beautiful spirit lives on through the hearts of those blessed to know her. Thinking of all of you, her wonderful family, at this time.
Love and prayers, Richards Frankel team
Leslie Stevenson
Thank you. Mom trusted you to take care of her teeth in which she took great pride. No one brushed as long or thoroughly as she did and her smile showed it.
Nancy A Toth
The sisters of Cleveland East Chi Omega Alumnae send their deepest sympathy to Lois Swanson’s family. She will be remembered with donations from the group and individuals to our scholarship fund. Lois was a generous supporter of this fund and one of the initial contributors.
We will miss you dear Lois.
Leslie Stevenson
Thank you to the sisters of Chi O. Mom was always proud to be a member.
Sarah Schlotterback
Thank you, Nancy. I am also a Chi Omega as is my daughter. I gave her a Chi O mug when she celebrated the 75th anniversary of her membership. She was a supporter of all things Chi Omega! She loved going to the Alumni meetings!
Sarah Schlotterback
Thank you, Nancy. I am also a Chi Omega as is my daughter. I gave her a Chi O mug when she celebrated the 75th anniversary of her membership. She was a supporter of all things Chi Omega! She loved going to the Alumni meetings!