Lois Jean Swaim

Lois Jean Swaim, 84, of Marion, passed away peacefully at 8:16 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Wesleyan Health Care Center. She was born on May 26, 1934 in Marion to the late Hugh and Estella Blanche (Horner) Fleenor. Lois’s parents were both orphans of Union Civil War soldiers. They were raised together in the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home after their fathers died from illnesses contracted during the war. Lois was the youngest, and last surviving of their ten children. Lois was employed as a business manager for several businesses in Marion throughout the years. She also co-owned and operated Marion’s first record store, “The Record Shop." Divorced at 34, she worked hard to provide for her four children. At age 48, Lois fulfilled her dream of earning her high school diploma, and afterwards she applied for college, was admitted, and studied at Ball State University. Lois was known for being an excellent cook, and loved cooking for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Lois is survived by her son, Jeffrey Swaim; daughters, Susan Howlette, Julie (Matson Veach) Miller, and Lisa (Randy Head) Swaim; grandchildren, Scott (Jaime) Handy, Holly Swaim, Dean (Summer) Swaim, Amber (A.J.) Hicks, and Brady Beck; eight great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Wilma Jean Fleenor. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Estella Blanche Fleenor; brothers John Fleenor, Charles (Georgia) Fleenor, and Hugh C. “Bud” (Joanne) Fleenor; sisters, Ruth (Ernie) Jesso, Willabelle (John) Ellis, Virginia Westphal, Shirley (Dick) Lake, and infant twin sisters, Mary and Martha Fleenor; son-in-law Doug Howlette; and grandson Scott Swaim. Lois’s family will be receiving friends for a time of visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 29th at Mount Olive United Methodist Church, 2015 North 300 West, Marion, Indiana. Following the visitation, the funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Steve Cole officiating. Burial will follow at Grant Memorial Park. Lois loved all animals, especially cats. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Marion-Grant County Humane Society, and envelopes will be provided at the church.