MARVEL SWANSON obituary

Marvel L. Swanson, 70, of Havre died Saturday, April 30, 2005, at Benefis East Campus in Great Falls after complications from surgery.

Crema-tion has taken place and her memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday at the Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery.

Marvel was born Oct. 10, 1934, to Murrell and Gloris (Montgomery) Wilson in Whitefish. She was raised and educated in Whitefish and graduated from high school there. In 1951, when Marvel was 17, she moved with her family to Havre. Marvel worked at Lee's Caf in Havre.

She met Raymond Swanson and the couple married July 8, 1953. The couple lived and worked in Havre, raising their six children. Marvel worked at the Hi-Line Home, Northern Montana Hospital and as a ward clerk at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd.

She enjoyed raising her children and many other children on the North Side. She was known as everyone's mother and had an open-door policy for many to come in and visit or eat. She was a wonderful cook and baker and always had many treats for the kids to enjoy.

Marvel enjoyed quilting and crocheting. She crocheted many blankets for her family and special friends. Everyone in the family had a special blanket from her. She always made time for her grandchildren; they were a very special part of her life. Marvel was a generous person and donated money to many churches in order to help others. She volunteered many hours on Sunday's at the long-term care unit for the residents.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond in 2001; brothers, Murrell, Frances and Bobby Wilson; sister, Irma Shiflett; and grandson, Steven Douglas Swanson.

Survivors include her daughters, Shelly (Doug) Erhard of Havre, Shannon (Paul) Sohm of Kremlin and Sandy (Bill) Martian of Helena; sons, Steven (Shirley) Swanson of Westminster, Colo., and Scott Swanson and Stuart Swanson, both of Havre; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and five nieces.

Memorials in Marvel's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Charlotte Kelly, P.O. Box 1107, Havre, MT 59501, to Bear Paw Hospice, c/o Northern Montana Hospital, 30 13th St. W., Havre, MT 59501, or to St. Jude Thaddeus School, 624 fourth St., Havre, MT 59501.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.