Ramona Swenson

RAMONA M. (PETERSON) SWENSON, 85 ROCKFORD - Ramona M. (Peterson) Swenson, 85, of Rockford, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family after a long illness, on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Born Sept. 2, 1928, in Rockford, the daughter of Harry and Mabel (Lundeen) Peterson. Ramona graduated from East High in 1946 and attended Rockford School of Business. She married Robert P. Swenson on May 26, 1951 at Alpine Lutheran Church. She retired as a Purchasing Buyer Assistant at Sundstrand in 1991. Ramona was an active member at Alpine Lutheran Church for 71 years. Also a former American Legion Auxiliary Member. Ramons's true enjoyment in life was to be a part of the lives of her family and friends. She was a very caring person. She will be greatly missed. Survived by her husband of 63 years, Robert; children, Debbie (Dan) Matthews, Robert (Glenda) Swenson and Bruce "Whitey" (Sara Kornetzke) Swenson; grandchildren, Erika (Rich) Hillabolt and Ryan Matthews; great-grandchildren, Rowen, Peyton and Reed Hillabolt; brother, Dale (Mary) Peterson of Bloomington, MN; sisters, Beatrice (Robert) Lundgren and Nancy (Edwin) Lorenzen; sister-in-law, Barbara Peterson; numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, brothers, Roger, Derrald and Eugene Peterson, great-grandson, Ryder Hillabolt, sister-in-law, Janet Peterson and niece, Karen Breitbach. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Anne Osterberg, special friend and caregiver, for her compassionate loving care and support. Also, deepest appreciation to Heartland Hospice, and Home Instead staff and caregivers, including Kim, Delores and Sheila, all of whom provided Mom with not only compassionate care, but love that brought light into Mom's world. The family is truly grateful to our Mom's sisters, Beatrice and Nancy for their devotion and continuous help in countless ways. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at Alpine Lutheran Church, 5001 Forest View Avenue, with the Rev. Daniel Wynard. Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 South Mulford Road and will continue from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alpine Lutheran Church, 5001 Forest View Avenue, Rockford, Illinois 61108, Barbara Olson School of Hope, 3206 North Central Avenue, Rockford, Illinois 61101 and Rockford Park District Therapeutic Recreation Dept, 401 South Main Street, Rockford, Illinois 61101. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.