Barbara Ann Dare Swanson, 85, of Cleveland, Tennessee, died on Friday, October 21, 2016.
She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Swanson; her parents, George and Gladys Dare; and two brothers Waren and Richard Dare.
She is survived by three daughters Lynn (Jim) Gerard, of Merrit Island, FL, Ann (Don) Gribbin of Portage, MI and Lois (Mark) Simpson of Chattanooga; sister Virginia (Frank) Mercado; five grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.
Barbara was raised in Iowa and attended Iowa Wesleyan College. She married Donald in 1953 and raised her three daughters in the Chicago area. In 1979 she moved to Cleveland, TN where she taught 3rd grade at T.C. Bower Elementary School for 14 years. She was an active member at Cleveland First United Methodist Church where she enjoyed UMW, The Rose Circle and singing in the choir.
Barbara will be remembered for her positive outlook on life. Despite debilitating lung disease and Alzheimers disease, she remained positive and content to the end. She loved her grandchildren Mindy Hammalian, Jessica Gerard, Jake Gerard, Lauren Simpson and Connor Simpson who will remember her for her adventurous and inquisitive spirit.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday Oct.25 at Companion Funeral Home located at 2419 Georgetown RD NW, Cleveland, TN 37311.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Companion Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.