In Memory Of
Frances Swensen
1924
2015
Frances Swensen
June 2, 1924 — April 1, 2015
Frances Ann (Finlay) Swensen passed away at home with her daughter JeanAnn and grandson John by her side She was a strong woman who touched many lives. Frances was born in West Mineral, KS at home to John and Lydia Finlay June 2, 1924 and passed away on April 1, 2015 at the age of 90. She graduated West Mineral High in 1941. After attending Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, MO majoring in Accounting, she joined the Navy W.A.V.E.S and served from 6/30/1944 – 9/5/1945 during WWII. She was trained at Radio School in Oxford, OH, then was sent to advanced radio USNRA in Blakely, WA and served the Navy in Radio Intelligence. She received an Honorable Discharge at the end of WWII. She married Carl Jean Swensen, Sr. in Bremerton, WA on May 11, 1945 and was divorced in 1952. She was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband Carl, brother John Finlay, Jr., nephew John Finlay III, and her longtime companion Thomas Llewellyn. She is survived by a son, Carl J. "Skip" Swensen, Jr., (Debra) of Sheridan, OR, a daughter, JeanAnn Farnsworth of the home, nephew, Ron Cooper, (Helga), their family of Chico, CA, a niece, Johanna Finlay of Chico, CA, and longtime family member Connie Hoyt of Burden, KS. She is further survived by grandchildren, Ronald E. "Chip" Farnsworth, Jr., (Chris) of West Harrison, IN, John R. Farnsworth of Austin, TX, Shawna Overbey, (Jim) of Winfield, KS, Christopher Lindsey of AZ, David Swensen, (Jenny) of Springfield, MO, Great Grandchildren Ryan Farnsworth, Arianna and Connor Swensen, Hoyt Lee Overbey, Trey (Markie) and Jesse (Heather) Swain, Kayla, Samantha, and Christian Lindsey and Great-Great-Grandchildren Kayden and Chloe Swain.
Frances was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Junction City and enjoyed the benefits of her faith which she lived each day. She was also a very active member of the community and a member of numerous organizations, which she promoted and supported every day of her life. She moved to Junction City in 1966. She was a Department of Army Civilian at Fort Riley, where she was the Chief of the Accounting Section of the Maintenance Division. She retired on February 28, 1986 with over 25 years of Federal Service.
Being a WWII era veteran, she was a 57 year member of the American Legion, first belonging to Post 394 KS, an all-women's veteran post, where she served as Vice-Commander, Commander, Legislative Chairman, District Historian, and District Executive Committeeman. Her last Post was Post No. 207 Kansas, serving as Adjutant for 32 years (1970-2002), 4th District Adjutant (4 years), 4th District Vice-Commander, Commander, Historian, Chairman of the 4th District Children & Youth Committee, National Children & Youth Commission for 24 years including serving as Vice Chairman and Chairman. Frances was a Past President and Treasurer for the Kansas American Legion Historians Association. She instituted the Avenue of Flags in Ogden, KS in 1967. She was instrumental in the Department purchasing an interactive machine in Drug Education and traveled statewide promoting it. She provided education to Legionnaires about American Legion Child Welfare Foundation (ALCWF), promoting it as well as the Legacy Fund (even riding on the back of a motorcycle in a National Parade in Reno at age 80, as a fund raising event, raising $1,700.00!). She promoted American Legion programs through a monthly column in The Sunflower Legionnaire. She was an Advisor to the Kansas Boys State for many years and voted Advisor Emeritus. She was also the one and only Miss Boy's State of KS. Frances also was instrumental in OMK (Operation Military Kids) helping them win the K-State Research and Extension Team Award. She was a member of 8/40 in which she held several offices. She became the FIRST female Voyageur of 40/8 in KS, Wildcat Voiture 1261 on June 23, 2007. She trained with AARP, and provided volunteer tax services in Junction City for 4 years during the 1990's. She volunteered in the VA Outreach Clinics for 20 years. She was a volunteer cook at the Lung Association Asthma Camp in 2001.
Frances Ann Swensen was initiated as a member of Order of the Eastern Star of Charity Chapter 153, Scammon on 12-28-1942. She later transferred to Victory Chapter 151 in Arkansas City on 9-9-1957; transferred to Charity Chapter 153 on 10-27-1958; transferred to Chautauqua Chapter 268 in Cedar Vale on 12-07-1961; later became a member of Melita OES, Chapter 116 on 10-07-1987. She continued her membership with Melita OES 116 and through to the consolidation with White City OES 421 in White City on 6-4-2014. The offices she held were, Esther 1952, 1962, Martha 1954, Associate conductress 19551959, Conductress 1956, 1960, Associate Matron 1961, 1963, 1989, 1991 – 92,Worthy Matron 1964, 1990-91, 1992 -93, Electa 1988, Secretary 1994 – 2001, Marshal 2001 – 2005. During this time she also served at the State level of Grand Chapter of Order of the Eastern Star of Kansas as, Grand Representative of Nevada in Kansas December 31, 1994 to December 31, 1996, fraternal correspondence April 1998 to 1999, and Grand Teller April 2008 to April 2009
Frances loved her children and family and her friends. She was especially fond of her flower beds, particularly her tulip bed, which began blooming on the day she passed. She had an ongoing tradition of making Christmas ornaments each year for all four generations of her family. When she had extra time, she enjoyed embroidering tea towels as gifts for family and friends. Frances Ann was well known for the generosity of her time, talents, and spirit.
The family of Frances Ann Swensen, extend their thanks to the Geary County Hospital Home Health and Hospice for their kindness, support, and professionalism while she was under Hospice care at home. They were always available to assist her physically as well as emotionally. Not only were they very attentive and kind to her, but also extended the caring to her family, making the transition process as easy as possible.
Private family inurnment will take place at Hosey Hill Cemetery near Weir KS, where her parents are buried. Frances' wishes included no public services, so that everyone who wished could celebrate her life in their own way at a time convenient to them. She has also requested no flowers, and has requested that all donations be made to a special medical fund for her great grandson Hoyt Lee Overbey, who is battling brain cancer. This fund is used to pay for his treatments which are not covered by insurance. Or a donation to the charity or organization of your choice in her name (i.e. one of the many American Legion charities such as Child Welfare Foundation).
Donations for Hoyt Lee may be sent to: Hoyt Lee Overbey Benefit Fund
Corner Bank
PO Box 545
Winfield KS 67156
Donations to The American Legion: http://www.ksamlegion.org/page/content/about/american-legion-history
(Click on donations).
Frances was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Junction City and enjoyed the benefits of her faith which she lived each day. She was also a very active member of the community and a member of numerous organizations, which she promoted and supported every day of her life. She moved to Junction City in 1966. She was a Department of Army Civilian at Fort Riley, where she was the Chief of the Accounting Section of the Maintenance Division. She retired on February 28, 1986 with over 25 years of Federal Service.
Being a WWII era veteran, she was a 57 year member of the American Legion, first belonging to Post 394 KS, an all-women's veteran post, where she served as Vice-Commander, Commander, Legislative Chairman, District Historian, and District Executive Committeeman. Her last Post was Post No. 207 Kansas, serving as Adjutant for 32 years (1970-2002), 4th District Adjutant (4 years), 4th District Vice-Commander, Commander, Historian, Chairman of the 4th District Children & Youth Committee, National Children & Youth Commission for 24 years including serving as Vice Chairman and Chairman. Frances was a Past President and Treasurer for the Kansas American Legion Historians Association. She instituted the Avenue of Flags in Ogden, KS in 1967. She was instrumental in the Department purchasing an interactive machine in Drug Education and traveled statewide promoting it. She provided education to Legionnaires about American Legion Child Welfare Foundation (ALCWF), promoting it as well as the Legacy Fund (even riding on the back of a motorcycle in a National Parade in Reno at age 80, as a fund raising event, raising $1,700.00!). She promoted American Legion programs through a monthly column in The Sunflower Legionnaire. She was an Advisor to the Kansas Boys State for many years and voted Advisor Emeritus. She was also the one and only Miss Boy's State of KS. Frances also was instrumental in OMK (Operation Military Kids) helping them win the K-State Research and Extension Team Award. She was a member of 8/40 in which she held several offices. She became the FIRST female Voyageur of 40/8 in KS, Wildcat Voiture 1261 on June 23, 2007. She trained with AARP, and provided volunteer tax services in Junction City for 4 years during the 1990's. She volunteered in the VA Outreach Clinics for 20 years. She was a volunteer cook at the Lung Association Asthma Camp in 2001.
Frances Ann Swensen was initiated as a member of Order of the Eastern Star of Charity Chapter 153, Scammon on 12-28-1942. She later transferred to Victory Chapter 151 in Arkansas City on 9-9-1957; transferred to Charity Chapter 153 on 10-27-1958; transferred to Chautauqua Chapter 268 in Cedar Vale on 12-07-1961; later became a member of Melita OES, Chapter 116 on 10-07-1987. She continued her membership with Melita OES 116 and through to the consolidation with White City OES 421 in White City on 6-4-2014. The offices she held were, Esther 1952, 1962, Martha 1954, Associate conductress 19551959, Conductress 1956, 1960, Associate Matron 1961, 1963, 1989, 1991 – 92,Worthy Matron 1964, 1990-91, 1992 -93, Electa 1988, Secretary 1994 – 2001, Marshal 2001 – 2005. During this time she also served at the State level of Grand Chapter of Order of the Eastern Star of Kansas as, Grand Representative of Nevada in Kansas December 31, 1994 to December 31, 1996, fraternal correspondence April 1998 to 1999, and Grand Teller April 2008 to April 2009
Frances loved her children and family and her friends. She was especially fond of her flower beds, particularly her tulip bed, which began blooming on the day she passed. She had an ongoing tradition of making Christmas ornaments each year for all four generations of her family. When she had extra time, she enjoyed embroidering tea towels as gifts for family and friends. Frances Ann was well known for the generosity of her time, talents, and spirit.
The family of Frances Ann Swensen, extend their thanks to the Geary County Hospital Home Health and Hospice for their kindness, support, and professionalism while she was under Hospice care at home. They were always available to assist her physically as well as emotionally. Not only were they very attentive and kind to her, but also extended the caring to her family, making the transition process as easy as possible.
Private family inurnment will take place at Hosey Hill Cemetery near Weir KS, where her parents are buried. Frances' wishes included no public services, so that everyone who wished could celebrate her life in their own way at a time convenient to them. She has also requested no flowers, and has requested that all donations be made to a special medical fund for her great grandson Hoyt Lee Overbey, who is battling brain cancer. This fund is used to pay for his treatments which are not covered by insurance. Or a donation to the charity or organization of your choice in her name (i.e. one of the many American Legion charities such as Child Welfare Foundation).
Donations for Hoyt Lee may be sent to: Hoyt Lee Overbey Benefit Fund
Corner Bank
PO Box 545
Winfield KS 67156
Donations to The American Legion: http://www.ksamlegion.org/page/content/about/american-legion-history
(Click on donations).
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Frances Swensen, please visit our flower store.
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