Joan Swearingen

Joan L. Swearingen, 86, of Mountain Home passed away peacefully with family at her side on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at home.

Joan was born March 2, 1928, to Lloyd and Cleona Swenson in Mountain Home. She was raised and educated in Mountain Home, graduating from high school in 1946.

She grew up with her four brothers, Howard (Joyce), Reynold "Swede" (Cora), Raymond (Eileen) and Melvin (Margaret). She played basketball in high school, kept busy working part time and doing chores on the farm.

On Jan. 20, 1947, she started her 55-year marriage to Earl Swearingen. Their marriage produce three sons, Earl Ronald, Edward Lee and James Roy.

She loved working in her flower beds, playing golf, cooking and socializing with her many friends. She was a 50+ year member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority and loved her "sisters." Joan went on numerous trips -- San Francisco, Las Vegas, Brazil, Mexico Cruises and Nebraska -- to visit Earl's family and many short adventures with her sorority and golfing friends.

Mom's biggest love and joy in life was her family. No birthday went unnoticed, no holiday went without a greeting card while candy, cookies, pies and cakes enhanced every event. Much to her husband's dismay, Joan loved to shop, especially at Christmas. Everyone looked forward to opening their gift from her because you knew it would be something very nice, beautifully wrapped and picked out with only you in mind.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Earl; brothers Howard, Reynold and Raymond; granddaughter Brittany Swearingen; and son, Jim. She is survived by her brother Melvin, sons Ron (Debbie) and Ed (Georgann) and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Special sisters in law, Arlene Boyd, Eileen Swenson and Margaret Swenson, were always near, giving their love and support. The family extends a very special "Thank You" to Betsy and Jayce from Horizon Home Health and Hospice for their tenderness and care for Joan.

Joan will be dearly missed by her family and all the friends she touched so deeply.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home with graveside services to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Legion Post 26 Auxiliary, P.O. Box 126, Mountain Home, ID 83647.