OBITUARY Vona Roselene (Swearengin) Smith Vona Roselene Swearengin was born July 8, 1934, in Fordland, Mo. She was the fifth child of Fred and Bertha (Potter) Swearengin. She died Saturday, November 22, 2014 in the arms of her daughter, Dawn. She was a resident for over three years at Jordan Creek Nursing Rehab Center in Springfield, Mo. The care team at the facility and Preferred Hospice became like family and we will forever be grateful for their loving kindness to both Vona and Dawn during her lengthy illness. At the time of her passing she was 80 years, 4 months and 2 weeks of age. She was a member of both Fordland First Baptist Church and Seymour Nazarene Church. Her favorite activities at Jordan Creek included devotionals and listening to music, especially Gospel music. Vona graduated from Fordland High School in 1953 where she lettered in sports. On July 5 of the same year, she married Ward Arthur Smith of Denver, Colo. They met when Ward was stationed at the Air Force Base in Fordland where the men were locally known as the Flyboys. During a weekend visit to town, Ward spotted Vona wearing a bright red dress that she had made herself. In Wards words that was it. He was smitten and pursued that pretty girl in the red dress. Following their wedding, Ward and Vona lived in Denver for seven years before returning to Fordland where they have made their home since 1960 until their deaths. To this union three children were born: Vona Darlene, Dawn Michelle and James David. Vona had the honor to hold the best job possible—Mother. She was a great cook and made the best pie anyone could eat. In Wards words, she only made two kinds he liked, hot and cold. In addition to her culinary talents, Vona had many other creative talents including oil painting, embroidery, crochet, knitting, sewing and gardening. She was also a voracious reader. Vona is survived by three children, Darlene Cornelison (Randy) of Seymour, Mo., Dawn Smith (Calvin Dyche) of Springfield, and David Smith (Carmen) of Seymour; two grandsons, Andy Smith (Tonya) of Brighton, Mo. and Daniel Cornelison (Ashley) of Seymour; two great-grandsons, Colton Kessler and Gavin Smith, both of Brighton; sister, Hazel (Swearengin) King of Fordland; brother, Sam Swearengin (Jenice) of Springfield; brother-in-law, Robert Smith (Helen) of Denver; four nieces; two nephews; fifteen great-nieces and nephews; and many extended family members and friends. Vona was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Ward, on May 29, 2013; both parents; brother, Luther Swearengin; two sisters, Helen Swearengin and Ruth Swearengin; brother-in-law, Leroy King; and parents-in-law Arthur and Abbie Smith. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 25, 2014 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Novemeber 26, 2014 at 1 p.m. Both will be held at Preston-Marsh Funeral Home, Rogersville, MO.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 03:43:44 +0000
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