Larene Victoria Swanson

Larene V. Swanson passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2014, with her daughter, Lynn Victoria Jenkins and grandson, Benjamin Carson, by her side at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. She had just celebrated her 90th Birthday on November 2, 2014.

Larene was born to Hulda Victoria and Arthur Linus Drugge in Montesano, Washington on November 2, 1924. She graduated from Montesano High School in 1942. Larene was an outstanding student. She graduated with honors and perfect attendance. Her beautiful penmanship was her trademark. Larene was a commencement speaker and received the American Legion Citizenship Award which recognizes qualities of character, service, companionship, and scholarship. She was active in many school activities such as girls club, drama, golf and bowling.

She was a lifetime member in the Ladies Auxiliary. In support of her husband's love for appaloosa horses, she was Secretary Treasurer for the South West Washington Regional Appaloosa Club (SWWRApC) for many years and supported the national appaloosa association as well. Until recently she still provided a year-end audit and financial statements for SWWRApC. Larene was excellent in math and after high school initially worked for the draft board, before starting her career at Whitney's in Montesano.

In 1966 she married Wendall Swanson in Olympia where they raised their blended family of 6 children. Larene spent the majority of her career working as an accountant for the Edward Hulbert Hulco, Inc. in the Olympia area, and eventually opened her own accounting business, Swanson's Accounting Services, which she maintained until her retirement.

Larene was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Wendell Eugene Swanson, at the age of 94 years in March 2012; daughters, Leslie Ann Carson and Wendy Scheibel; sister, Mildred Drugge Major; and brother, Arther Drugge. Larene is survived by her children, Lynn Victoria Jenkins of Lacey; Tim Swanson, Seattle; Shelley Barclift (Dave), Coeur d'Alene, ID; Rob Swanson (Betsy), Whitefish, MT; son-in-law, Chuck Scheibel, Olympia; older brother, Arnold Drugge, Hoquiam; younger brother, Everett Drugge (Diane), Darien, CT; 18 grand and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for 10:00 a.m, on Saturday, November 29, 2014, at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512. The family suggest donation to the SWWRApC, P.O. Box 112, Littlerock, WA 98556.