Linda Swanson

Linda Lorraine Swank was born December 2, 1942, in Creston, Iowa to Lawrence and Wilma (Greenman) Swank.
Linda married Bob Swanson on January 20, 1963, at the First Baptist Church in Mount Ayr. Together, they raised two sons, Gary Lynn Swanson and Ronny Duane Swanson. Over the years, they lived in several locations throughout Ringgold County before settling on an acreage west of Kellerton, Iowa, in 1973-a place they called home for decades.
Linda had a deep love of history and was proud to serve as president of the Ringgold County Historical Society. She especially enjoyed helping with the annual 6th Grade Iowa History Tours. Local schoolchildren would spend the day exploring Ringgold County landmarks like the buffalo wallows and the Ellston Museum, always finishing with a pot of stew and Indian bread cooked over an open fire-a tradition Linda cherished.
A devoted community member, Linda gave generously of her time and talents. She volunteered during elections, served as treasurer for Monroe Township, acted as a patient advocate, and served on several cemetery boards (joking that she "knew where all the bodies were buried"). Fair season was a highlight of the year for her; she was honored to judge fair entries across southwest Iowa. A woman of strong faith, Linda was actively involved in her church community as well.
Linda also had a playful side. She collected Santa Clauses-so many that Bob eventually built a special room in the garage to house them. Her collections also included teddy bears, gnomes, and Powerball tickets. A bit of a gambler at heart, she never missed a Tuesday card game (where granddaughter Brenna learned to count), loved playing the lottery, and enjoyed trips to the Osceola casino to try her luck at the slots.
Above all, Linda found her greatest joy in her family. She adored her grandchildren, Brenna Hoepker and Shane Swanson, and her great-grandchildren, Hutch and Henney Hoepker. Their stories and adventures brought her endless laughter and joy.
Linda will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Linda passed away on September 4, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Wilma Swank; sister Mary Higday; mother and father- in-law Maddes and Elsie Swanson; brothers and sisters in-law Lester and Marge Anderson, June Anderson, Chuck Swanson and Phyllis Riggs; niece Marilyn Higday Thompson and nephew Robert Anderson.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband Robert "Bob" Swanson, Kellerton, Iowa; son Gary Swanson and wife Dawn, Mount Ayr, Iowa; son: Ron Swanson and wife Sandi, Mount Ayr, Iowa; grandchildren Brenna Hoepker and husband Kenneth, Bedford, Iowa and Shane Swanson and significant other Rachel Whitlock of Omaha, Nebraska; great-grandchildren Hutch and Henney Hoepker of Bedford, Iowa; brother Larry Swank and significant other Deb Clark of Kellerton, Iowa; sister: Cathy Coulson and husband Jim of Mount Ayr, Iowa; and lots of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorials are in her name to be decided.