Loyette Swanson

A memorial service for Loyette Frances (Hollar) Swanson, 92, who passed away April 25, 2023, in Springfield, Missouri, will be 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at St John’s Chapel United Church of Christ in Springfield.

Born Nov. 7, 1930, in Abilene, her family moved to Marion in 1933. After she graduated from high school, she attended the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in music education.

She met her future husband, Kenneth Swanson, while both attended Wichita State. She and Ken returned to Marion to teach music in the public schools. During this time, they married.

In 1955, they moved to Springfield, where they were blessed with three children — Kristine, Eric and Karl.

After 11 years as a stay-at-home mom, Loy resumed the career she loved as a music teacher in the Springfield public schools. She also earned a master’s degree from Drury College.

She retired from teaching after 28 years and
brought her professional skills into the community. She was a church choir director, an accomplished pianist, and a member of Mid-America Singers for 25 years.

She belonged to Missouri State Teachers Association, American Association of University Women, Mu Phi Epsilon, and the chapter DC of P.E.O.

For many years, she was an active and enthusiastic member of Springfield Regional Opera Guild (now Ozarks Lyric Opera) and Springfield Symphony Guild.

Loy loved to travel, play bridge, read, knit, quilt, and attend live theater and music events and the opera. Her volunteer work included delivering meals for many years and singing and playing piano for the residents of area nursing homes.

Loy was a member of St John’s Chapel United Church of Christ and sang in their choir until age 89.

God, family and many friends had top priority in her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Kenneth Swanson; her parents, Frank and Gladys Hollar; and her five brothers, Al, Dick, Don, Lee and Maurice.

Survivors include her children, Kris Swanson, Eric Swanson (and wife Candice), and Karl Swanson (and wife Mary), and five grandsons, Thomas England (and wife Alivia), Daniel England (and wife Rebecca), Stephen Swanson (and wife Mallory), Philip Swanson (and wife Eunice), and James Swanson (and wife Rheagan).

She was also blessed to be called “Grandma Great” by her eight great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ozarks Lyric Opera or St. John’s Chapel Memorial Fund.