In loving memory of

Rachel A. Swanson
February 3, 1932 - July 5, 2018

Rachel A. Swanson, 86, of Milan, Illinois, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at the Avonlea Cottage in Milan, Illinois.

A celebration of Rachel's life will be held at 10 A.M., Friday, July 13, 2018, at First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Graveside Services and Burial will be held at 3 P.M., Friday, July 13, 2018, at the McCormick Cemetery, rural Ottumwa, Iowa.

Rachel ArMinta Christy was born on February 3, 1932 in Davis County, Iowa, to Harry B. and Naomi W. (Strickland) Christy. She attended Agency High School and married Harold W. Swanson on September 2, 1950 in Agency, Iowa. To this union four children were born, Nancy, Becky, Sheri and Doug.

Rachel had worked as the lunchroom supervisor at Briggs Elementary School in Maquoketa for over 27 years.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa and the United Methodist Women (UMW) where she had served as an officer. Through the years Rachel had been very involved in her community helping as a Girl Scout Leader, Hospice of Jackson County volunteer, Meals-On-Wheels volunteer, Mother's Club member, and active in her Sorority. She loved to play cards and had taught Bridge for years. Additionally, she enjoyed making quilts and knitting, was an expert seamstress, and liked doing jigsaw puzzles.

Those left to honor Rachel's memory include her children, Nancy Swanson of Gunnedah, NSW, Australia, Becky (Jerry) Miller of Blue Grass, IA, Sheri (Brad) Hilligoss of Coal Valley, IL and Doug (Sharon) Swanson of Eldridge, IA; 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Evelyn Potts of Burlington, IA, and Karen Meeker of the Quad Cities, IL; and brothers-in-law, Charles Swanson of Agency, IA, and Richard Swanson of Ollie, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Robert, Glen and Keith Christy, her husband Harold on December 15, 2005, and a grandson Tyler B. Hilligoss.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa or to a charity of the donor's choice.

"Rachel's family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Avonlea Cottage in Milan for their care and support of their mother during her time with them."

Online Tributes may be left at www.carsonandson.com.

Tributes

Kim Goble wrote on Jul 11, 2018:

"Doug and family, So sorry to hear your mom passed away. All these childhood memories came flooding back. I remember your mom as a kind woman. Just wanted you to know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Kim(Watters)Goble"

Michelle Hughes wrote on Jul 11, 2018:

"Doug, Sharon, & Family, We were so very sorry to hear that your Mom, Mother-in-Law, & Grandmother passed away! We are sending you our prayers and sympathy! Mark & Michelle (Maze) Hughes "

Avonlea Cottage of Milan wrote on Jul 10, 2018:

"Thank you from the entire Avonlea Cottage family for sharing Rachel with us in this last part of her journey. She will always be in our hearts. Love and hugs to your family from ours. Mary Emmons RN/DON"

Margie Yocum Nelson wrote on Jul 10, 2018:

"So very sorry to hear your sad news. Rachel will be missed by all who knew her. She was such a dear friend to my Mother, Virginia Yocum. She was so much a part of my memories of growing up in Maquoketa. God bless you and guide you through these difficult times! Margie Yocum Nelson"

Jim (and Barbara) Yocum wrote on Jul 10, 2018:

"Dearest family and fellow close friends of Rachel Swanson, pls accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother and our friend. Growing up with her, and all of you, as part of our extended family was a blessing beyond belief. We were so lucky to have her, your father, and all of you in our lives, especially growing up. I remember her as one of the kindest, most gentle and generous souls I will ever have the pleasure of knowing. The last time I saw her I was passing through Maquoketa and just "dropped in." She was playing cards with three of her friends "the girls" ;) in her immaculate home not far from the country club. She welcomed me like I was the king of the universe! Hopefully the blessing that was her life will bring you, and all of us, comfort. "

Penny Nuti (Cleary) (Bennett) Nuti wrote on Jul 10, 2018:

"Doug & Becky & families of Rachel. I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was enjoyable/pleasant to chat with when I waited on her. I am lifting you up in prayer. May you find comfort, strength, & peace in God's care. I'm sure she has left each with many wonderful memories to share. "

Jeff and Donna Hinke wrote on Jul 9, 2018:

"Our sympathy to the family, especially Becky. Lifting you up in prayer. "

Patty (Reiter) (Eads) Johnson wrote on Jul 9, 2018:

"Hi Nancy and families. Been so many years Nancy. I remember staying at your home when i think we were in middle school. As you may remember me as Patty Reiter. I wish i could get up to see you but so much has gone on the pass month. From loosing my husband a month ago to having surgery that same week. My prayers are with you an everyone. God Bless. Patty "

Elizabeth Lind wrote on Jul 9, 2018:

"So sorry for your loss! Your mother was such a sweet lady. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family ??"

Elizabeth Lind wrote on Jul 9, 2018:

"So sorry for your loss! Your mom was such a sweet woman. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family ??"