Jean Marie Swaim

Jean Marie Swaim, 72, of Bettendorf Iowa, passed away peacefully at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Her struggle with pain is over. Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

A celebration of Jean's life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 3:00pm - 6:00pm at the Cunnick-Collins Life Celebration Center. The center is located 1200 E. 39th St Davenport, IA. Online, condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.WeertsFH.com

Jean was born December 13, 1953, in Mason City, Iowa, to Kenneth and Marian (Bouda) Rhodes. A few years later, the family moved to the Quad Cities area, where the roots of her life continued to grow. Jean attended Bettendorf Schools and then went to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Iowa State University, graduating near the top of her class.

Jean married her high school sweetheart, Bill Swaim, on June 15, 1974. The family grew with the addition of their beloved daughter, Kari. Jean spent several years as the world's best mother and homemaker and eventually began working outside the home. She worked in the office staff at Lee Enterprises for several years and then moved on to Butler Insurance Services as an Administrative Assistant where she earned the nickname "Queen Jean". During this time, she also performed freelance work as a seamstress.

Jean offered a loving presence not only to her family, but also to the neighborhood children and to her daughter's friends. She remembered the little things and always tried to keep a smile on everyone's face!

Jean was a gifted seamstress. Over the years she helped sew Christmas ornaments and completed countless alterations. She was a devoted runner and had a passion for baking, embracing each with the same steady resolve that shaped so much of her life. She cherished time spent traveling, especially trips to the Colorado high country, and many visits to the Florida gulf coast to spend time with her daughter and granddaughter.

Jean is survived by her husband, Bill Swaim; her daughter, Kari Swaim; her granddaughters, Annalise Hoty and Laila Hoty; her great-granddaughter, Evangeline Shaft; and her sister, Marilyn Rhodes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marian and Kenneth Rhodes.