Obituary for Barbara J. Swallom

Barbara J. Swallom, 66, of Marion, died May 31, 2011 in her home following a sudden illness. A memorial gathering will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 950 33rd Avenue, Unit A, Marion, Iowa. Private inurnment will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Iowa Cremation. Surviving are her children, Susan (Wayne) Epperson of Shellsburg, Kathy (Dan) Boblit of Buffalo, and Rick (Petra) Swenson of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Matthew, Amanda, Drew, Kyle and Alexandra; her siblings, Loretta Engelking, Joseph Crooks, Lawrence Crooks, Lloyd Crooks, Marvin Crooks, James Crooks, Sandy Williams, Robert Crooks, Michael Crooks, and Raymond Crooks; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Robert, and second husband Leonard. Barbara Janice Swallom was born October 17, 1944 in Mason City the daughter of Wilbur and Gladys (Holding) Crooks. She married Robert H. Swenson in 1964, and was later divorced in 1976. She worked at Killians Department Store and Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids. She married Leonard J. Swallom on May 16, 1981 in Marion; he preceded her in death in 2009. Barbara enjoyed shopping, country music, dancing, traveling and tours, reading magazines, and talking on the phone with family and friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be greatly missed.