Dean Swallows

Dean Swallows formerly of Puxico, Missouri, has passed away peacefully on April 25, 2024,in Bernie, Missouri. 

Born on September 6, 1929, in Earle, Arkansas, Dean spent most of her life in Dexter and Puxico with brief periods in California as well as Bloomfield and Poplar Bluff. 

Dean worked as an Activity Director and later Administrator of Grandview Manor Nursing Home, jobs which she loved.  She also served as Den Mother for her son's Cub Scout Troops.

Family was very important to Dean, including her grand-dog, Wiley.  Through the years she enjoyed playing bridge with many friends in Puxico, Bloomfield and Dexter and was also a Red Hat Society member.  Her presence in the community will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Dean Swallows leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.  She is reunited in eternity with her parents, Martin and Cora May (Churchhill) Renfro, her husband, Carl Ray Swallows, and one son, Tom Swallows, and her brothers, Elmo (Mo), Leo, Kenneth (Mutt), and EC Renfro.  She is also preceded  in death by her sister, Marge Zimmerman. 

A member of the Red Hats, Dean enriched the lives of those around her through shared interests and camaraderie. Her presence in the community will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Dean Swallows leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is reunited in eternity with her parents, Martin and Cora Mae (Churchhill) Renfro, her husband Carl Ray Swallows, one son, Tom Swallows, and her brothers Elmo (Mo), Leo, Kenneth (Mutt), and EC Renfro. She is also predeceased by her sister Marge Zimmerman.

In this time of mourning, we find solace in knowing that Dean's spirit lives on through her surviving son, Dan (Lisa Brovold) Swallows of Winterset, Iowa, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

The family wishes to express their warmest gratitude to the staff of Elara Caring Hospice, especially Kendall.  The warmth and compassion that was extended to Dean is very much appreciated.  A special thank you to Roger Renfro, nephew, for his daily calls and frequent visits to Dean. 

To honor Dean Swallows' life and commemorate her impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her, services will be held at Watkins Funeral Homes in Puxico, Missouri. A visitation will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on April 30th, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. The interment will be held at 2:00 PM at 23698 Cemetery Rd in Puxico.