Services
Obituary
Mary Louise, the daughter of Orville and Anna (Schmidt) Ahrends was born December 23, 1922. She attended rural schools in Wright County and graduated from Clarion High School. Following high school, she taught in country schools before her children were born. She later attended and graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
Mary Louise was united in marriage to Clifford Swanson on February 5, 1941 in Clarion. They were married for 65 years. The couple farmed near Galt and moved to Eagle Grove in 1966. She taught in the elementary school system in Eagle Grove for more than 20 years.
Mary Louise was a member of the United Church of Christ Congregational in Eagle Grove, then later First Baptist Church in Eagle Grove. Most recently, she attended the Clarion Church of Christ.
Mary Louise was active in the various church women’s groups, a lifetime member of the National Education Association, a member of Iowa State Educational Association and the Iowa Reading Association.
Mary Louise always maintained a large vegetable garden, and canned a variety of vegetables and meat each year. She enjoyed embroidery, crocheting and playing 500. She and Clifford loved going dancing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be left to the discretion of the family.
Mary Louise is survived by her daughters, Carol (Mel) Moulds of Lake City, Iowa, Judy (Roger) Ketchum of Grimes, Iowa, and Elner (John) Noack of Ocala, Florida; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister Beth Lyons of Clarion; along with other family members and friends.
Mary Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Clifford in 2005, her sisters Audrey Erickson and Beverly Sims and brother Arthur Ahrends.