Gwendolyn “Mic” Ann (Liston) Swanson, age 87, of Ankeny, IA, formerly of Lake View, IA, passed away at her home in Ankeny on Sunday, March 26, 2017. Gwen was born in Iowa City, IA on January 14, 1930, to Ralph and Eva (Reuter) Liston. Gwen attended school in Des Moines until age 15, when the family moved to Lake View. She graduated from Lake View High School in 1948. After she graduated, she worked at the Farmers State Bank in Lake View. She then worked as a telephone operator for a few years, and later worked part-time at the grocery store.
Gwen married her high school sweetheart Willard “Bud” Swanson on June 19, 1949 at the Methodist Church in Lake View. She was a devoted wife and mother who was very passionate about her girls and their families, attending their activities and special events. The girls have fond memories of how she would help with the Girl Scout cookie sales, she loved camping when the girls were young, and she liked Mickey Mouse. She enjoyed her bridge and pinochle clubs and will always be remembered for helping others who were in need, giving rides to friends, and visiting nursing homes. Gwen was also very active in her church and the United Methodist Women’s group.
Gwen is survived by her daughters: Margo (Chuck) Lierman of Ankeny, IA, Maureen (Richard) Merrill of Fort Dodge, IA, Marty (Kevin) Kelsey of Golden City, MO, and Marlys (Kevin) Duncan of Byron, MN; grandchildren: Chad (Joy) Lierman, Cherish (Dan) Taylor, Caiya (Jason) Cox; Court, Rachel and Noah Duncan; step-grandchildren: Mike (Alicia) Merrill, Matt (Kim) Merrill, and Christian Kelsey; great-grandchildren: Colin, Daniel (Zoey), Leah and Rebecca Lierman; Emerson, Drew, Ben and Annalyn Taylor; Caiden, Kylar, Kelson and Kynley Cox; step-great grandchildren: Nicholas, Conner, Spencer, Mackenzie, Cole, Macie, and Clare Merrill; step-great great granddaughter Brynnzlee Hart; extended family and many friends.
Gwen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bud, her parents, four step-grandchildren: Brian and Steven Merrill and Barbara and Megan Kelsey; and a step-great granddaughter Katelin Merrill.