Martha Louise Swanson

Martha L. Swanson of Peoria, Arizona, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 5, 2025. She was 94 years old. Martha was born to Ruby and Marshall W. Reavis in Anderson, Indiana, on January 29, 1931. She attended University High School in Bloomington, Indiana, and was graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. Martha worked as an elementary art teacher and taught in Martinsville, LaPorte, and Michigan City, Indiana.

Martha was married to Jack V. Swanson, an Indiana University graduate and Korean War veteran, in August 1953. They initially lived in Michigan City, Indiana. In 1969, they moved to Southern California and owned a large and successful business in North Hollywood before retiring in 1985 to play golf and travel. Following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the Swansons sold their home and moved to Peoria, Arizona, where they lived in Westbrook Village and played golf at the Westbrook Village Golf Club. Mr. Swanson preceded his wife in death on June 21, 2020.

Martha completed graduate coursework at Indiana University, Purdue University, and California State University-Northridge. She was a 75-year member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and a member of the Tri Kappa service sorority. The Swansons were members of Pottawattomie Country Club in Michigan City and Porter Valley Country Club in Northridge.

Mrs. Swanson is survived by her children Dr. Douglas Swanson (Terri) of Riverside County California, and Erica Doyle (David) of Peoria. Survivors include grandchildren Albert Swanson, Matthew Swanson, Elise Doyle Davies, and Laura Doyle, and great-grandchildren Emma Swanson, Grace Swanson, and Charlee Swanson.

Services are being coordinated by Menke Funeral and Cremation Center in Sun City; internment will be with Mr. Swanson at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix.

A reception following the service will be held at The Vistas Rec Center Westbrook Village in Peoria at 4:00 PM