Ray Swanson

Ray Swanson, age 91, of Aledo, Illinois died peacefully in his sleep with his wife of 64 years by his side on Monday, November 16, 2020.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private service, led by his son-in-law, Steve Fulton, will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020.  Burial will be in Viola Cemetery.  Memorials can be made in Ray’s name to the Alexis Fire Department, Viola Fire Department or the Epilepsy Foundation.   Dennison Funeral Home, Viola is assisting Ray’s family with arrangements.

Meredith Ray was born on August 9, 1929 to Frank and Gertrude Carlson Swanson at the family farmhouse in rural Aledo.  He was the youngest of 7 children.  Except for his stint in the military, he lived his entire life in Mercer County, Illinois.  He graduated from Alexis High School in 1947.  He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955.   On October 6th, 1956 he married Eleanor Jean Stabler.  He was a farmer and a carpenter and always said he never worked a day in his life because he enjoyed both of those roles. There wasn’t a puzzle he couldn’t solve or anything he couldn’t fix.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching sports, playing golf, hunting, fishing, dancing, playing cards and wintering in Florida.  Any game he could play with his wife, children, grandchildren and/or dear friends brought a twinkle to his eye.  He had a calm and kind demeanor and always enjoyed a good Ole and Lena joke.  He also loved attending the early Swedish Christmas morning service at the Colony Church in Bishop Hill, Illinois with 6 sleepy grandchildren in tow.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; daughters Debora Allen, Beckie (Steve) Fulton and Marcie (Jack) Lampo.  Grandchildren and Step Grandchildren include, Rhett Allen, Noah (Nikki) Fulton, Sara (Josh) Wruck, Eli Lampo, Chloe Lampo, Matt (Caitlin) Allen, Patrick Allen, Emily (Ben) Conard, Jill (John) Winters and Jody Montalto.  Great Grandchildren, Emmett Fulton, Fionna Fulton, Ellar Callenson, Olivia Conard, Elsa Conard, Calvin Conard, Kyle Montalto and Luke Montalto.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his 6 siblings, his son, Gary and his grandson, Nate Fulton.

Online condolences may be left at www.dennisonfuneralhome.com.