Daisy Swanson Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory - Nevada on Mar. 13, 2026.
Daisy Mary Swanson, age 87, of Nevada, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with her family by her side at Story Medical Senior Care in Nevada.
Daisy lived a life defined by kindness, devotion, and an unwavering love for her family. She had a gentle spirit and a warm heart that made people feel welcome wherever she went. Whether through a thoughtful conversation, a shared laugh, or simply being present when someone needed her, Daisy had a way of making the world around her a little brighter.
She was born in rural Jasper County, Iowa, to Frank Avery and Rose (Neal) Maxwell. Growing up with strong small-town values, Daisy learned early the importance of faith, hard work, and caring for other principles that would guide her throughout her life.
In 1957, Daisy graduated from Collins High School. Just days later, on June 1, 1957, she married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Paul Swanson, at the Collins United Methodist Church in Collins, Iowa. What began that summer day grew into a remarkable partnership that lasted 68 years. Together they built a home filled with love, faith, and family. Through life's celebrations and challenges, they stood side by side, creating a bond that served as an example of enduring love to everyone who knew them.
Daisy spent many years working at City Electric in Ames, where she formed lasting friendships with coworkers and customers alike. Even after retirement, she wasn't ready to slow down. She later worked at K-Mart in Ames, where she enjoyed the simple pleasure of visiting people and sharing a smile with those she met throughout the day.
Her faith was an important part of her life. Daisy was deeply involved in Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada, where her church family meant a great deal to her. She was also a proud member of Eastern Star, where she shared in fellowship and service with others in her community.
At home, Daisy found joy in simple and meaningful things. She loved tending to her yard and working with her hands, often bringing new life to old furniture with patience and creativity. But above all else, Daisy's greatest joy was her family.
She especially cherished her role as a grandmother. Nothing made her happier than cheering on her grandchildren, celebrating their milestones, and being present for the moments that mattered most. As the family grew to include great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren, Daisy's love only continued to grow with it.
Daisy knew both joy and sorrow in her lifetime, including the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Debbi Lynn Swanson. Through every season of life, she remained a steady source of love and strength for those around her.
Daisy is survived by her husband of 68 years, Bob, of Nevada; her son, Joel and wife Sue Swanson of Kelley, IA; her daughter, Terry and husband Gerald Milham of Green River, Wyoming; her grandchildren, Andrew (Allison) Swanson, Beth (Eric) Hendrickson, Heather (Chuck) Schadt, Erica Spaid, and Charlee Marie Spaid; her great-grandchildren, Kolton (Laney) Deaton, Karlie Hendrickson, James Angelo, Hallee, Heavann, and Camden Schadt, Lucas and Connor McDonough, and Zander and Kennadee Stewart; her great-great-grandchildren, Willow and Blakely McNeeley; and her sisters, Carey Ann and Olin Maxwell-Zartman of Texas, Carol (Carl) Hedges of Maryland, and Patricia (Chuck) Lundquist of Nebraska.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Debbi Lynn Swanson; her brother, Ronald Avery Maxwell; and her sisters, Francis (Kenneth) Smith and Margaret (Ronnie) Stratton.
A private family service will be held to honor Daisy's life. Burial will take place at Maxwell Cemetery in Maxwell.
Memorials may be made to Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada in memory of Daisy.
Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.rasmussonfh.com.
Daisy's life was one of quiet strength, generous love, and unwavering devotion to those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, the kindness she shared and the love she gave will continue to live on in the hearts of her family for generations to come.
She will be missed every "Daisy." With love, from your favorite flower - Daisy.
Daisy lived a life defined by kindness, devotion, and an unwavering love for her family. She had a gentle spirit and a warm heart that made people feel welcome wherever she went. Whether through a thoughtful conversation, a shared laugh, or simply being present when someone needed her, Daisy had a way of making the world around her a little brighter.
She was born in rural Jasper County, Iowa, to Frank Avery and Rose (Neal) Maxwell. Growing up with strong small-town values, Daisy learned early the importance of faith, hard work, and caring for other principles that would guide her throughout her life.
In 1957, Daisy graduated from Collins High School. Just days later, on June 1, 1957, she married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Paul Swanson, at the Collins United Methodist Church in Collins, Iowa. What began that summer day grew into a remarkable partnership that lasted 68 years. Together they built a home filled with love, faith, and family. Through life's celebrations and challenges, they stood side by side, creating a bond that served as an example of enduring love to everyone who knew them.
Daisy spent many years working at City Electric in Ames, where she formed lasting friendships with coworkers and customers alike. Even after retirement, she wasn't ready to slow down. She later worked at K-Mart in Ames, where she enjoyed the simple pleasure of visiting people and sharing a smile with those she met throughout the day.
Her faith was an important part of her life. Daisy was deeply involved in Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada, where her church family meant a great deal to her. She was also a proud member of Eastern Star, where she shared in fellowship and service with others in her community.
At home, Daisy found joy in simple and meaningful things. She loved tending to her yard and working with her hands, often bringing new life to old furniture with patience and creativity. But above all else, Daisy's greatest joy was her family.
She especially cherished her role as a grandmother. Nothing made her happier than cheering on her grandchildren, celebrating their milestones, and being present for the moments that mattered most. As the family grew to include great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren, Daisy's love only continued to grow with it.
Daisy knew both joy and sorrow in her lifetime, including the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Debbi Lynn Swanson. Through every season of life, she remained a steady source of love and strength for those around her.
Daisy is survived by her husband of 68 years, Bob, of Nevada; her son, Joel and wife Sue Swanson of Kelley, IA; her daughter, Terry and husband Gerald Milham of Green River, Wyoming; her grandchildren, Andrew (Allison) Swanson, Beth (Eric) Hendrickson, Heather (Chuck) Schadt, Erica Spaid, and Charlee Marie Spaid; her great-grandchildren, Kolton (Laney) Deaton, Karlie Hendrickson, James Angelo, Hallee, Heavann, and Camden Schadt, Lucas and Connor McDonough, and Zander and Kennadee Stewart; her great-great-grandchildren, Willow and Blakely McNeeley; and her sisters, Carey Ann and Olin Maxwell-Zartman of Texas, Carol (Carl) Hedges of Maryland, and Patricia (Chuck) Lundquist of Nebraska.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Debbi Lynn Swanson; her brother, Ronald Avery Maxwell; and her sisters, Francis (Kenneth) Smith and Margaret (Ronnie) Stratton.
A private family service will be held to honor Daisy's life. Burial will take place at Maxwell Cemetery in Maxwell.
Memorials may be made to Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada in memory of Daisy.
Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.rasmussonfh.com.
Daisy's life was one of quiet strength, generous love, and unwavering devotion to those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, the kindness she shared and the love she gave will continue to live on in the hearts of her family for generations to come.
She will be missed every "Daisy." With love, from your favorite flower - Daisy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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