Mary Joan Swarnes

Mary Joan Swarnes was led home by our angel, Buddy Fillpot, on Nov. 20, 2009. Joan was born on July 4, 1932, in Prairie City, Mo., the daughter of James (Doc) and Nancy (Deems) Bridgeman. She graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1950. Joan was married to Deb Swarnes for 52 years and had five children.

Her family was her life. She always look forward to celebrating the Fourth of July with family and friends. She enjoyed crocheting and watching court shows on TV. Joan was very supportive of the Rich Hill community and was always willing to donate items for local fundraisers and people in need.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Maxine Bales, Jucille Dicello; and one grandson, Buddy Fillpot. She is survived by her husband Delbert Swarnes, of the home; five children, son Tom Swarnes and wife Marilyn, of Butler, and daughters Teri Neal, of Carthage, Debbie Miller and husband Larry, Nancy Fillpot and husband Bud, and Brenda (Pettie) Burkholder, all of Rich Hill; 13 grandchildren, Jeanne and Jerrid Derr, Cale Swarnes, Michelle Swarnes, Larry and Kaylee Warner, Christie and David Metzger, Andy and Kenda Warner, Leslie Harris, Kristen Harris, Slade and Michelle Coonce, Shylah Coonce Fuqua, Sherry and David Duffield, Teresa and Kenneth Taylor, and Misty and Jeff Tourtillott; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, James Wilbert Bridgeman and Wife Wava, of Brodus, Mont.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m., at First Christian Church, with Bill Perkey officiating. Pallbearers were: Slade Coonce, Jerrid Derr, Jimmy Fuqua, Cale Swarnes, Jeff Tourtillott, and Major Black. Honorary Pallbearers were: Jason McGee and Brad Steuck. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery, in Rich Hill. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Rich Hill Fourth of July Celebration in care of Heuser Funeral Home.

Arrangements were under the direction of Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill.