- Born on: January 8, 1942
- Departed on: September 30, 2024
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Barbara Kay Swarts
Barbara Kay (Palmer) Swarts, 82, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Galesburg, IL and Ottumwa, IA, passed away September 30, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. Iowa Cremation is assisting the family.
Barbara was born on January 8, 1942, in Ottumwa, IA, the daughter of Lauren and Rhea (Roberts) Palmer. Barbara was married to Gale Swarts on November 21, 1959.
Barbara was a member of the Ottumwa High School class of 1960. She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority until the early 1990s. She always loved singing in the local church choir, serving as choir director and organist for several churches in Ottumwa and Galesburg. In 1989 she received an Associate in Arts from Carl Sandburg College. She enjoyed sewing and making fun gifts for family and friends. Barbara looked forward to Friday morning coffee dates with her friends. Most of all she loved traveling and sharing adventures with her grandchildren.
Survivors include three daughters: Debra Salter (Brett) of Ottumwa, Linda Bissell (Dave) of Agency, and Bobbi Pio (Chris) of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren: Ryan Johnson, Abby Selby (Tyler), Nathan Bissell (Maria), Lauren Pio, Scot Pio, and Eric Pio; six great-grandchildren, sister Renee Samii and brother Kevin Palmer.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Gale in 2022, and sister Marlys Steffen.
Memorials may be directed to the church of the donor’s choice or the Theatre Department at Monmouth College (700 E Broadway, Monmouth IL 61462).
Barbara was born on January 8, 1942, in Ottumwa, IA, the daughter of Lauren and Rhea (Roberts) Palmer. Barbara was married to Gale Swarts on November 21, 1959.
Barbara was a member of the Ottumwa High School class of 1960. She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority until the early 1990s. She always loved singing in the local church choir, serving as choir director and organist for several churches in Ottumwa and Galesburg. In 1989 she received an Associate in Arts from Carl Sandburg College. She enjoyed sewing and making fun gifts for family and friends. Barbara looked forward to Friday morning coffee dates with her friends. Most of all she loved traveling and sharing adventures with her grandchildren.
Survivors include three daughters: Debra Salter (Brett) of Ottumwa, Linda Bissell (Dave) of Agency, and Bobbi Pio (Chris) of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren: Ryan Johnson, Abby Selby (Tyler), Nathan Bissell (Maria), Lauren Pio, Scot Pio, and Eric Pio; six great-grandchildren, sister Renee Samii and brother Kevin Palmer.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Gale in 2022, and sister Marlys Steffen.
Memorials may be directed to the church of the donor’s choice or the Theatre Department at Monmouth College (700 E Broadway, Monmouth IL 61462).
