Ouida Swanson

OUIDA SWANSON NAPLES, Fla. - Ouida Swanson died peacefully March 27, around 4:55 p.m., at Hospice House in Naples, Fla. She was born Sept. 15, 1911, in Westville, Fla., to Robert and Melissa Sumpter. She had a sister, Olivia; brother, Kenneth; and a half sister, Eloise. During the depression she moved to Chicago where she met and married Martin Swanson, who passed away in 1975. She had been working at the Pepsodent Toothpaste Company. They moved to Cloquet, Minn., and had daughters, Joyce and Doris. Both Martin and Ouida worked at the Diamond Match Factory doing work for the war effort during World War II. Right after the war ended, they moved to Rockford, Ill., where Martin worked at Amerock the rest of his life. One of the things she enjoyed doing was volunteer sewing at Walter Lawson Home. She loved doing things at the Senior Citizens Center. She was a member of Christ Unity Church while in Rockford. During her later years she lived with Doris and Ted in Fla. We attribute her long life to the loving care they gave her. She taught herself how to sew, knit, crochet, cook and raise a family. Survivors are daughters, Joyce Russ (Bill), and Doris Malez (Ted); grandchildren, Mike Russ, David Russ, and Wayne Russ; grandchildren, Jennifer Russ, Ben Russ, Matt Russ, Joel Russ, Rebecca Russ, Nathan Russ, Sarah Russ, Anna Russ, and Faith Russ. Memorial service at 2 p.m., with visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Hilltop Ministries Center (New Life), 8301 Mitchell Rd., Machesney Park. Pastors Enrique Gonzalez and Mark Meyers will officiate. Memorials may be given to Walter Lawson Home.