Yvonne Faithe (Swisher) Nelson (1927-2020)

Yvonne Faithe (Swisher) Nelson, 92, passed away Feb. 9, 2020 at Medicalodges Goddard in Goddard, Kan. surrounded by her family. She was born July 17, 1927 in Vesper, Kan. to Kyle Upton and Loretta Rachel (Snavely) Swisher.

Yvonne is survived by her sister, Florence Pauline White of Kanopolis, Kan.; sons, Willis Steven Nelson of Goddard and Jerald Wayne Nelson (Cathy) of Lawrence, Kan.; grandchildren, Chad Steven Nelson (Deana) of Maize, Kan. and Julie Marie Nichols (Courtney) of Hutchinson, Kan.; and great-grandchildren, Nathan and Natasha Nelson and Ethan and Trinity Nichols. 

She was preceded in death by husband, Willis; parents; brothers, Kyle Ivan Swisher and Donald Jean Swisher; daughters-in-law, Jane (Wolting) Nelson and Lucinda (Siemers) Nelson; and grandson, Derek Wayne Nelson.

Yvonne was a lifelong resident of Lincoln County. She attended Vesper schools and Kansas Wesleyan University. She worked for a short time as a telephone switchboard operator in Vesper and taught in two one-room rural schools in Lincoln County. She married Willis Lex Nelson June 26, 1947 after his return from duty in World War II. Along with her husband, she was an owner/operator of a farm and ranch in Lincoln and Ellsworth counties. She was a fabulous cook preparing countless meals for family and farmhands seeming to do it all with ease. She was a most loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, giving back to her community. She was a positive role model to all she met. She graciously cared for many, many pets both domestic and otherwise. Like many Kansas farm women she endured harsh weather, mud roads, and lean times feeding the family from homegrown animals and gardens. All this she did for many years without washing or drying machines, indoor toilets and television. She was truly a member of the greatest generation.

In honor of her life, a graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Lincoln Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her loving husband of 53 years.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln County Historical Society or Serenity Hospice, in care of Parsons Funeral Home – Hall Chapel, 111 E. Elm, Lincoln, Kan. 67455. 

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