Florence Swan

Florence Mae ( Henderson) Swan, 91 of Gothenburg, Nebraska died August 29, 2014 at Stone Hearth Assisted Living in Gothenburg, NE.

She was born near Comstock, Nebraska November 19, 1922 to Ray and Amelia Henderson.

Florence lived in several different places during her first 3 - 4 years but her first memories are that of living in Central City, NE. In 1927 her family moved to Gothenburg and later south of Gothenburg. Florence was 12, soon to be 13 when her mother passed away in 1935.

In 1940 Florence met and married Melvin Swan. In February of that year Mel was inducted into the army leaving her with his family. At this time Florence went to Business School and earned her diploma. In 1964 she began working in the Gothenburg High School Cafeteria for four years and another 13 years in the Cozad School System.

In August of 1972 Florence accepted a manager/cook position at a country school ( 81-R) which she enjoyed for 13 years. Florence was a faithful member of the Evangelical Free Church in Gothenburg. She taught Sunday School and worked with Awana's. She also was the church secretary for a number of years assisting seven or eight pastors.

Florence was a special wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Life on the farm held many wonderful memories for her and she cherished all her years with Mel and being able to be close to family. She loved the outdoors her flowers, gardening, quilting and found beauty in every rock she picked up and just "puttering around the farm" as she put it. Florence enjoyed having her grandchildren every Friday teaching them how to bake cookies and spending time with them.

In her last years, she loved living at Stone Hearth Assisted Living although it was difficult leaving the farm. She will be dearly missed, but with heavy hearts we accept the end of her life on earth knowing she will be with our Lord.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband Melvin, parents Ray and Amelia Henderson, step mother Jesse Henderson and two brothers Harold & Max Henderson.

She is survived by three sons Doug (Kay) Swan of Cozad; Paul (Kathy) Swan of Buffalo Grove, IL, and Nick (Linda) Swan of Gothenburg; six grandchildren Michael Swan, Eric Swan, Tyler Swan, Mandy Eddie, Melissa Leaming, and Aimee Walford and 13 great grandchildren.


Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Tuesday, September 2, 2014 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm with the family present from 5-7pm.

Services will be held at Evangelical Free Church, 1721 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE 69138; Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 11:00 am with Pastor Bill Ivey officiating.

Interment will follow in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Awana Program c/o Evangelical Free Church, 1721 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE 69138.