Leona Swartwood, 86, of Melbeta, NE, passed away on September 10, 2016 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. At her request, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. Her graveside memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Broadwater, NE with Pastor Bev Russell officiating. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials in Leona’s honor be made in care of the family to be designated at a later time.

Leona was born on Feb 6, 1930 in Shelton, NE to William and Ruth (Kneher) Drage. Always known as a sweet woman, Leona was soft hearted from the beginning. One fond memory was when her and her father, William, purchased a pig to feed and butcher, but when it came time for butcher, she begged it not to happen. Leona graduated high school from Shelton, NE; class of 1948.

Leona married Duane Swartwood in Shelton, NE on July 3, 1949. The two then made their home in Odessa, NE until 1967 when they moved to the Scottsbluff area. Once there, Leona shared her love of cooking and spreading her happiness as a school food service worker for 28 years at Scottsbluff, Melbeta and Gering. When not working, Leona enjoyed canning her homegrown love, crafting treasures on plastic canvas and quillows. During the winter months, she looked forward to traveling south. Leona was a member of the Methodist Church and was also a 50 year member of the VFW Auxiliary. She was a strong, hard working woman that loved her country, her family and her friends.

Leona is survived by her sons Larry (Renee’) Swartwood of North Platte, NE, Lonnie (Eileen) Swartwood of Bridgeport, NE and Leon Swartwood of Torrington, WY; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; brother Ronnie (Mary) Drage of Kearney, NE; sister Karen (Ron) Daily of Dix, NE; and numerous nieces and nephews and special friend John Burbach.

Her parents, husband Duane, daughter-n-law Joy Swartwood and great grandson Jayden Swartwood preceded her in death.

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