Gwendolyn Lee “Gwen” Swearengin, a resident of Willow Springs, MO passed away Saturday afternoon on January 25, 2020 at her home, surrounded by family. Born February 23, 1946 to Gordon Hatch and Dorothy Mae (Heath) Hatch in Sterling, Colorado. She was 73 years old.
Gwen grew up in the Stoneham, Colorado area and graduated from Stoneham High School on May 18, 1964. She moved from Colorado to Douglas County, Missouri in the late 1960’s. She received her Nursing Assistant Certification at Southwest Missouri State University, West Plains Campus. She completed various computer courses there as well.
On August 15, 1970, Gwen was married to Robert Swearengin at Mount Ararat Church in Douglas County, Missouri. Over the years she was a CNA and cook at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains and Night Kitchen Supervisor at Willow Care Nursing Home in Willow Springs. She was also a homemaker on their farm in Douglas County. After the passing of her husband, she moved to Willow Springs.
Gwen is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, George Hatch, and Judy “Dolly” Salisbury; her spouse, Robert Swearengin; her children, Linda Kay Shaw, and Kevin Shaw; grandchild, Marshall Remington Bangs and; great-grandchild, Riley Collins.
She is survived by her brothers Glen Hatch of Colorado and Jim Hatch also of Colorado; daughter, Angie Baker of North Carolina; son, Patrick Swearengin of Alabama; 8 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. Further surviving are nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
A visitation for Gwen will be held Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. followed by a graveside service at Mount Ararat Cemetery in Douglas County at approximately 11:30 A.M. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com
