Phyllis E. (Dearman) Swanson, 90, passed away peacefully on 6 August 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas with family at her side. She was born on 16 January 1934 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the youngest child of Earl and Maud Dearman. She graduated from Pawtucket East High School in 1951, having skipped a grade, moving ahead by a year. While still in school, she took employment with William H. Haskell Manufacturing and upon graduation, became a full time secretary and payroll manager.

In 1952, she met a young sailor named Bill, and after their marriage in 1953, never left his side. Daughter Laurel was born in 1954 and soon after, they moved back to Bill’s hometown in Kane, Pennsylvania. As a self-proclaimed city girl, she worked hard to adjust to her new home in the forests of northwestern Pennsylvania, including losing her New England accent. After raising their children, Phyllis became a teachers’ aide in the Kane Area School district. She spent nearly 30 years overseeing generations of elementary school children, a job she thoroughly loved.

Always active in the church, Phyllis was a devoted member of Tabor Evangelical Lutheran church. She served many years on the altar guild, then as a member of the funeral committee, ensuring families were well cared for in their time of needs. She also served as a member of, then later co-president with husband Bill, the Kane Area Food Pantry.

She loved to travel, especially to the beach. Spending time at the ocean had been a favorite thing since childhood, and it continued throughout her life. Yearly vacations to the coasts of North and South Carolina were a ritual. She thoroughly enjoyed visiting her son Dave as he moved from base to base during his time in the military, especially numerous trips to Europe. After retirement, she and Bill traveled the US, visiting every state except Alaska and Hawaii.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Maud Dearman, brother Earl Dearman, Jr., sister Dorothy Latimer, and daughter Laurel Sundberg.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, William (Bill) Swanson, son David and his wife, Cindy of Lawrence, Kansas, grand-daughters Nisse Sundberg and Annika Sundberg, nieces, cousins, friends, and colleagues, who remember her for her generous love and sweetest nature.

Visitation will be at Cummings Funeral Home on Monday August 12 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, August 13 at 11:30 a.m. at Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church (due to church repairs it will be held in Nelson Hall).  Burial will be in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Online Condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.