Darleen Swails (Craven)

June Darleen Swails, 91, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away Friday, March 25, 2022, at John Knox Village. Darleen was born April 5, 1930, in Olathe, CO to Clarence and Lura (Wallis) Craven and spent her early life in her beloved Colorado. She attended Graceland College and met the love of her life, Norman Swails. They were married on June 17, 1951, and moved to Seattle, Washington where Norman served in the U.S. Army and Thomas was born. Darleen supported Norman in career moves with the Boy Scouts of America beginning in Fremont, Nebraska, Janet’s birthplace, and Omaha, Nebraska where John made them a family of five. Wherever Darleen lived, her life was dedicated to Norman and her children. She made their houses “home” in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Stirling, New Jersey; Woodbury, Minnesota; Skillman, New Jersey; and Dallas, Texas. In 1985 they moved to Kansas City where Norman served as the Presiding Bishop of the Community of Christ church and raised the funds to build the Temple in Independence, MO.

Darleen was a caring listener, remembered people’s stories and connections, and reached out to countless people with phone calls, cards, letters, emails, and invitations to their home. She cherished lifetime leadership roles in the Community of Christ and many other community organizations. At Woods Chapel congregation she served as an Elder and was particularly gifted in welcoming and greeting all who came to worship there. Darleen had a passion for learning and loved music, gardening, flowers, bird watching, sewing, and travel. Most importantly, her desire was to be a Godly woman and to see others through the eyes of Christ. Darleen is survived by her husband of 70 years, Norman Swails, her children, Thomas Swails, Janet (Ken) Shannon, John Swails, brother Jim (Shari) Craven, seven beloved “STAR” grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and four nieces. Words cannot begin to express our deep appreciation for the support and prayers of family and friends. You have wrapped your loving arms around us and given us strength... just like mom would have done!

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the Woods Chapel Community of Christ, 500 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64064. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Darleen’s name to Woods Chapel Community of Christ, PO Box 7085, Lee’s Summit MO 64064.

A Livestream presentation of the service may be viewed, and online condolences expressed to the family on her profile page at www.speakschapel.com. (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)