GETTYSBURG, SD – Lona L. Swanson, 82, of Gettysburg, passed away Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.
A memorial service will be 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 1, 2023, at Luce Funeral Home, Gettysburg, with Pastor Mike Patrick presiding. Burial will be at Hope Cemetery, Wessington Springs, SD.
Lona Lorraine Westlake was born in Jerauld County, SD on February 4, 1941, to Ivan and Elsie (Mertz) Westlake. She grew up on her family farm northwest of Wessington Springs and attended country school.
Lona went to work for a dry cleaner in Chamberlain before joining her aunt, Rose, to help her clean homes for the Schuett brothers near Gettysburg.
On May 4, 1959, Lona married Ted Swanson. They made their home southwest of Gettysburg and were later divorced in 1985. Lona went to work at Avera Oahe Manor where she worked in the housekeeping department. In 2006, her health started to decline, which led to an early retirement. In 2021, she became a resident of the Avera Oahe Manor.
Lona had a love for animals of all types. She cared for many chickens, lambs, birds, cats, dogs, and larger animals. She also enjoyed spending time working with her flowers and mowing the lawn.
Lona is survived by her old neighbor, Dan Parker, and cousins: Marcella Anderson of Wessington Springs, Betty Albright of Huron, and Louise Schaller of Wessington Springs.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Lona’s arrangements. (www.familyfuneralhome.net)

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