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2015
Marjorie "Marge" Swartfager, 94, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, July 28, 2015.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, August 3, 2015, at Ankeny United Church of Christ (602 SE Delaware Ave.) with burial to follow at Oralabor Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the church.
Marjorie Pauline Walker was born October 14, 1920, in Des Moines, Iowa to Clell and Ally (McKern) Walker. She grew up in Des Moines. On November 16, 1948, in Bellevue, Nebraska, Marge was united in marriage to Richard Lee Swartfager. The couple, along with Marge's daughter Shirley, made their home in Ankeny for the next 77 years.
Marge started working right out of high school at various jobs (usually two at a time). She then worked at the Des Moines Ordinance Plant in Ankeny. From there, she spent the next 32 ½ years at Northwestern Bell (now Qwest), as a Supervisor. Following retirement, Marge was allowed to focus on giving back to the community. With a loving heart, Marge was a member of the Albaugh-McGovern American Legion Post #42, Telephone Pioneers, Iowa Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary, American Red Cross, National Audubon Society, Minnesota Conservatism, the Sierra Club, The Ankeny Historical Society, and the Ankeny United Church of Christ.
Marge looked forward to her Friday visits to the salon to have her hair fixed. She was an avid quilter and always had a beautiful garden. Most of all, Marge treasured the time she spent with her immediate family, as well as her church family. She loved time spent at their cabins on Lake Washburn in Minnesota.
Marge will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Paula (Brad) Cherry, Ron (Angie) Parrish, and Deb (Jerry) Fischer; great-grandchildren, Lindsay and Scott Lincoln, Matt and Emily Righi, Megan Fischer, and Austin Parrish; great-great-grandchildren, Braiden and Addison Mishler, her "adopted daughter", Judy Rogers; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Swartfager; parents; siblings; son, Tommy Ogilvie; daughter, Shirley Parrish; and son-in-law, Bill Parrish.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Ankeny United Church of Christ or Unity Point Taylor House Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
August 9, 2015
keith israel
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful Lady. Mary and I know the Lord is watching over her now. Love, Keith & Mary Israel
August 5, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Marge was a good friend of our family and I thought a lot of her. Blessings to you all. Beth (Harkin) Kain.
July 31, 2015
Delmar Nelson
sorry for your loss. Paula,Ron,and Deb. Hope your days ahead are better. Memories keep the smiles coming. Delmar& joan
July 30, 2015
Chuck and Laura Brinker
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know that they are happy."
July 30, 2015
Paula
Gramma, you were one of the strongest, most determined women I have ever known. Because of you and your "words of wisdom" I became a stronger and more self confident woman.
I will never forget the stories you told of your life, and the struggles you endured. I will always remember at Christmas and birthdays the white boxes with the green writing that told me I was getting a new dress or outfit from Younkers!!
My memories of 50+ years spent at the cabin with you and Gramps are my most treasured, and I will keep them with me always.
I will always remain proud that I was your granddaughter, and that some of my strengths I inherited from you. I will love telling my grandchildren the story if you and Gramps.
Rest easy, and have fun playing pitch with Mom, Dad and Gramps....just don't let Dad stack the deck!!!
I miss you and love you more than you could ever imagine.
July 30, 2015
A. M.
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
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