LeDonna Wanda Emelia Swearingen, age 81, passed away on Sept. 9, 2006, at Cedarview Nursing Home in Owatonna.

She was born April 30, 1925, to Cora Utpadel. She married Merlyn Swearingen, on Nov. 7, 1948. The couple farmed together many years, and were blessed with three girls.

She loved music, sang in the choir at First Lutheran Church and was superintendent of Wednesday school. She was active in couples club, and always had encouraging words and prayers for her family and friends. She loved to visit and never met a stranger. Her family was the center of her life.

She is survived by her husband, Merlyn Swearingen at The Brooks, 2480 St. Paul Road, Owatonna; and three daughters: Coleen and Arlen Brekke of Ellendale, Karen and James Cox of Westfield, Ind., and Nancy and Bill Grant of Overland Park, Kan.; seven grandchildren: Angie (David) Deml, Brian (Jennifer) Powers-Brekke, Scott (Amy Ehlen) Brekke, John and Tom Cox, Michael and Brian Grant; seven great-grandchildren: Brandon and Courtney Deml, Tayler and Tamika Brekke, Ahna Powers-Brekke, Joshua Ehlen, and Karissa Brekke.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

A celebration of LeDonna&8217;s life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at First Lutheran Church of Ellendale. The Rev. Arne Halbakken will officiate. Burial will be in First Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Ellendale and one hour before the service at the church.