Willetta C. Swanson (Willie), The Manor House, Batavia, N.Y. passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024.
She was born in Sheridan, N.Y. on September 21, 1925, the daughter of Harold and Susan Cross.
She married Carl Ben Swanson on June 27, 1952. They moved into their home in Ashville, N.Y., where they lived through their entire married life. Carl passed away on April 20, 2006. Willie remained in their home until 2009 when she moved to Batavia to be nearer to family due to failing eyesight.
Willie graduated from Silver Creek High School, followed by Fredonia State College in 1946. She taught in Angola and 1st grade in Jamestown Public Schools for 33 years. She enjoyed the challenge of teaching 1st grade and the growth the students made over the years. She felt a great sense of accomplishment with each child's ability to read at the end of the school year.
Willie enjoyed sewing, her garden, sitting on her front porch, family and friends. She loved to make herself available to family and friends in need. During her retirement she volunteered at the Ashville Free Library for 20 years and various positions at the Ashville Methodist Church, where she was a member for over 50 years. Willie also enjoyed bowling, golfing, and many years in the Bunco Club in Ashville. In Batavia, Willie kept active at the Manor House working at "the store", making phone calls for meetings, and helping setting up chairs, as well as various other activities at the Manor.
Willetta is survived by her nephews, William I. Gregory (Debra Dumuhosky) of Batavia, N.Y., Joseph Cross (Monica) of Iowa, and nieces, Louise Swanson of Jamestown, N.Y., Judy Cross (Tracy) of Iowa, Autumn Stewart (Charles) of Florida, Shirley L. Smith of Florida, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Beside her husband and parents she is predeceased by her sister Marjorie Vollentine in 2004, her brother William Howard Cross in 2022, her niece Susan Pascoe and great-niece, Katherine Pascoe.
There will be no calling hours. There will be a Memorial Service at Ashville Methodist Church in Ashville, N.Y. on October 14, 2024 at 12 p.m., followed by a graveside interment at Maple Grove Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Fredonia State College, The Park School of Buffalo or St. Joseph's Regional School (Batavia, N.Y.).
Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements for Willetta were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.
