Waneta A. Swan

1920 - 2017

Swan, Waneta A. Age 97; of Shepherd, Michigan; passed away on Monday, April 10, 2017 at Masonic Pathways in Alma. A graveside service will be held at Memorial Gardens in Mt. Pleasant on Monday April 17, 2017 at 10 a.m. Waneta was born March 25, 1920 in Moddersville, Michigan to Earl Wesley and Rena (Wyma) Chapman. On June 16, 1941 she married the love of her life Francis (Frenchy) Swan with whom she shared 64 years of marriage before his passing on Sept, 13, 2005. Waneta was raised in Mt. Pleasant and attended Mt. Pleasant High School. During their marriage and the birth of their 3 sons, they lived in Mt. Pleasant for many years and eventually moved to Shepherd. They were members of the New Life Christian Fellowship Church. Waneta worked in the housekeeping departments of Alma College and Central Michigan University where she retired after 20 years of service. After Frenchy's retirement from General Motors they enjoyed many happy years together. Above all else, Waneta will be remembered for being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her kind nature, "bubbling" personality and love for others will be her lasting legacy. For example, when anyone told her "I Love You" she would always say "Love You More!!" We believe these same words "Love You More!" were spoken to her by her Lord Jesus as she entered the gates of heaven. As a young wife and mother Waneta enjoyed gardening, canning, and attending the stockcar races in Mt. Pleasant. In the early 50's and 60's Waneta and Frenchy shared many happy memories riding their Harley Davidson motorcycles as members of the A.M.A. Mt. Pleasant Oilers Motorcycle Club. In her later years of life, she enjoyed playing Dice every Wednesday at the Masonic Home with her family and friends. She was a joy to be around and dearly loved by so many. Waneta will be especially remembered for her ability to crochet. She made hundreds of afghans for friends and family members. This included every new baby born into the family for 4 generations. The love and care she put into her craft is a treasure to those she leaves behind. Waneta is survived by her three devoted sons, Sonny (Carol) Swan of British Columbia, Canada, Ken Swan of Charlevoix and Tom Swan of Mt. Pleasant. Also surviving, is her loving sister Pansy Thaller of Mt. Pleasant, and special sister-in-law and brother-in-law Leona and Walt Sherwood of Houghton Lake. She leaves eight precious grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Preceding Waneta in death were her parents; her husband Frenchy; brother Maurice Earl Chapman during World War ll; sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Marvin Benchley of Midland; and brother-in-law Louis M. Thaller of Mt. Pleasant. Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider the Isabella County Commission on Aging Meals on Wheels Program.