Claire Swanger

Claire Mae (Hanks) Swanger

Claire Mae Swanger, 83, passed away January 19, 2020 at her home in Sherwood, Arkansas. She was born April 5, 1936, in Jerarld County, near Wessington Springs, South Dakota, the youngest daughter of Ora and Anna (Sefrna) Hanks.

Claire graduated from Miller High School in Miller, South Dakota in 1954. Afterward, she continued her education at Barnes Beauty School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, graduating in 1955.

Claire and Robert Swanger entered into marriage on December 3, 1955 at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa where they returned to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2005. The couple was blessed with five children.

Claire worked in the home, sewing almost all of her and her children’s clothing and curtains and window coverings for her household. When the family lived on the farm, she and her children accomplished the livestock chores and gardening together.  She was a devoted mother and grandmother and enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing in Minnesota. She volunteered her time by teaching roller dancing, Sunday school, and 4-H classes. Claire was also a talented ballroom dancer, competing in many competitions and winning just as many awards.  She was known for her signature red hair, her spunky attitude, and being well dressed, right down to her matching shoes and purse.

In addition to her parents, Claire was preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers. Surviving in addition to her husband, Robert Swanger, are her daughters Judy (Carmelo) Dominguez of Omaha, NE; Nancy (Tony) Richardson of Sarcoxie, MO; Peggy Thomas of Scottsboro, AL; and Cindy Swanger of Council Bluffs, IA; son, Larry Swanger of Benton, AR; grandaughter, Chrystina Gallentine of Sherwood, AR; grandson, David (Heather) Gallentine of Jacksonville, AR; brother, Robert (Mary Ruth) Hanks of Kelso, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6:00 PM -8:00 PM Thursday, January 23 at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home, 7700 Hwy 107. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Friday, January 24 at the Funeral Home with burial following at 12:00 PM at Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery.