Elizabeth M. "Wissie" Swanson was born July 22, 1924 in Millersburg, KY to Otis L & Bessie Lee Mullikin. She was a graduate of Drake University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and continued her education with post graduate work towards a Masters degree in social work.

Wissie married John E. Swanson on June 9, 1947 in Paris, KY. This union was blessed with three daughters; Luanna Gruber, Esta Wannamaker, and Amy Swanson.

Wissie was a full time Church, Civic and Political activist. She served on every committee at the First Unitarian Church as well as being a honored member of Unity Circle, one of the first women’s organizations in the state. She was the Assistant Co-chair of the Polk County Republican Party and President of Polk County Republican Women. Wissie volunteered and coordinated several of the State Republican Party fund raising events. In later years she became an award winning needlepointist winning numerous blue ribbons at the Iowa State Fair. She also was quite an accomplished Ceramist and teacher for all who knew her.

She passed away December 22, 2006 in Des Moines after a lengthy illness.

Wissie will be missed by her husband John, daughters & sons-in-law Luanna (Roger) Gurber, Esta (Pat) Wannamaker, Amy, her grandchildren Judson (Denise) Gruber, Gretchen (Adam) Wheelock, and her sister Esta White.

Visitation with the family will be held on (date) at (time) at Brooks Funeral Chapel located at xxx University Avenue.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 26, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Unitarian Church located at 1800 Bell Ave, Des Moines, IA.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the First Unitarian Church Building Fund or Mercy Hospice.