Bernice Ardell Swanson

Bernice Ardell Swanson passed away quietly on January 14th, 2021. Born at the family home in Barton, North Dakota on June 12, 1933 Bernice left public school at age 15 to go to work and support herself. In 1950 she met the love of her life, Raymond Swanson. Bernice worked at the local movie theater in Rugby, North Dakota and noticed Ray coming into the movie theater. She thought he was “cute and kind of shy.” They finally met when Ray, who had noticed her as well, saw her walking down the road with a friend. He offered them a ride and she accepted. Ray’s first impression was that Bernice was smiley, sexy and had a good personality. From there they decided a first date was in order. The first date was to a movie where Bernice got in for free. The name of the movie seen has long since been forgotten but from that moment on in May of 1950 they began dating exclusively. They were married on September 7, 1951 in Rugby, North Dakota. Bernice and Ray along with their 2 small daughters moved to Renton, Washington in 1957 where Ray still resides.

Bernice had a lot of interests, but nothing in her life was more cherished and important to her than family. She was happiest when having surrounded by her entire family, in particular her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was truly the core, the glue of her family. Her loss leaves a huge hole and emptiness that will never be filled. We are thankful and truly blessed to have had Bernice in our lives and will cherish every moment and every memory. Not a day will go by without thinking of her and she will forever be in our hearts.

Bernice is survived by her husband of 69 years, Raymond. Together they had 3 daughters, Debbie Kay Brooks (David Brooks), Dawn Marie Pacheco and Peggy Whittum (Lowell Whittum) and 6 grandchildren, Amber Dawn Smalley (Matt Smalley), Nicolas Dylan Rose, Anthony Jarrod Pacheco, Matthew Estebon Pacheco, Taylor James Whittum, Austin Zae Whittum and 3 great-grandchildren, Morgan Rose Smalley, Colette Caroline Pacheco, and Raymond Kreg Whittum, her brother Milo Engeland and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Pearl Schriock.

Bernice will be laid to rest on January 28, 2021 at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in Renton, WA.