Barbara Barnes Swanson was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on December 6th, 1936. She peacefully passed away on July 26th, 2024 in Tuscon, Arizona.
Barbara Barnes grew up in Holdrege, Nebraska with her older sister, Terry, and her parents, Betty and Dorsey. She graduated from Holdrege High in 1954 and enrolled at the University of Nebraska where she graduated in 1958. Shortly after graduating from UNL, she married Duane Swanson and moved to North Platte, Nebraska where she raised four children.
In the early 1990's, she earned her master's degree in counseling from Kearney State College. For many years, she worked in social services in Nebraska, most notably for Lutheran Family Services and Adoption Consultants of Nebraska. She spent her later years in Tuscon, Arizona to be close to her adult children and grandchildren.
Barbara will be remembered for her magnetic charisma and engrossing conversations. She had many friends and made new ones wherever she went. She was a lifelong sports fan who enjoyed playing tennis and running in her younger years. Barbara loved music and frequently traveled to New Orleans to attend the Jazz and Heritage Festival. She was a fantastic cook, loved to entertain, and threw many legendary parties over the years. She will be dearly missed by her adoring family and friends.
Barbara is survived by her sister, Terry Ozenberger of Michigan; her four children: Joseph (Arden Collier) Swanson of Vallejo, California; Elizabeth Swanson, Emily (Matt) Stowell, and Charles (Ileana) Swanson, all of Tucson, Arizona; and her three grandchildren: Simon Stowell, Opal Swanson, and Paulo Swanson.
A memorial celebration will be held in North Platte, Nebraska on October 12, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Planned Parenthood.