Frances Elsa Pervier Swarbrick

Frances Elsa (Pervier) Swarbrick, 95, of Dixon, died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at her country home near Dixon. She was not ill; she died peacefully of old age. Her daughters, who had been taking care of her, were at her side.

She was born on Nov. 8, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minn., the daughter of Norville C. and Elsa Radde Pervier. Her mother died at Frances’ birth.

She attended the Cummings School of Art in Des Moines, Iowa, the American Academy of Art in Chicago and Carthage College in Carthage.

She married William Henry Swarbrick, a fellow student at the college, in 1944, who became a Lutheran minister. During the 38 years of his ministry, Frances accompanied him as he pastored five different Lutheran Churches: Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church at Anna, St. Mark Lutheran Church at Dubuque, Iowa, organized and served as first pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pekin, Old Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage, and lastly pastored 17 years at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dixon. He retired in 1985 and spent the rest of his life at his country home in Dixon. He died in 2012.

She is survived by her brother, Norville Pervier of Brainerd, Minn.; daughter Bonnie Swarbrick Morehouse (Richard) of Tucson, Ariz.; daughter Jeanne Rager (Van Johnson) of Dixon; son Mark Swarbrick (Josephine) of Phoenix, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren, Jason Rager of Winnebago, Monte Rager of Pecatonica, Ryan Rager of Mound, Minn., Roxanne Rager of Bryon, Carla Swarbrick, Jamie, Eric and Andy Swarbrick, all of Dixon, Jared Swarbrick of Tucson and Cloe Swarbrick of Phoenix; and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was a reporter for the Rockford Register Star for many years, covering regional news. She served as a courtroom artist at many trials.

She was best known for her artwork. Her paintings grace the walls of many homes in the area. The Northwest Historical Center and the Loveland Museum (where she was curator for many years), both in Dixon, showcase many of her murals and paintings. Her painting of President Reagan standing at Lowell Park, now hangs in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. She also organized and was curator of the Kibbe Museum in Carthage. She was an accomplished poet and author. She was an avid horse lover.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dixon, with the Rev. Joseph O’Donnell, pastor, officiating. A luncheon at the church will follow. Cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial has been established to the Next Picture Show Art Gallery, 113 W. 1st St., Dixon, Ill. 61021.

Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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