Ethel Mae Swanstrom, age 97 of Freeport, IL, passed away on June 18, 2025, at home surrounded by family.  She was born to John & Frances (Tholen) Becker on April 13, 1928.  She along with her two siblings grew up on the family farm in rural Winnebago.  She graduated from Winnebago High School in 1946.  On October 23, 1954, she married Robert Swanstrom at Grace Valley CRC in German Valley, IL.  They established residence in Freeport, and this community became their life-long home.

Ethel's working career started at MetLife Insurance in Rockford, IL.  Over the years she also worked for the Freeport Park District, Ohlinger Realty, JCPenney, Sears, Farm & Fleet, and was a Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant.

She was an active member of Grace Valley CRC where she served as a Sunday School teacher and was involved in several Ladies Societies.  She loved the Lord with all her heart, read her Bible daily, and was a true prayer warrior.

Ethel's greatest joy was celebrating holidays, birthdays, weddings, and other special events with her family and friends.  Bob's passion for flying led them to many fly-ins and air shows where they established many friendships.  Upon retirement, she and Bob enjoyed spending the winter months at their condo in St. Petersburg, FL.  Over the years, Ethel touched many lives; she will be truly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Bob; children, Linda (Carl) Estep, Ron (Jill) Swanstrom, Brian (Diane) Swanstrom; grandchildren, Wendy (Jeremy) Cash, Brittany (Nolan) Fenwick, Benjamin Estep, Brianne (Brock) Greenhow, Leslie Estep, Kelly Estep; great-grandchildren, Melody Estep (Xander Hunstable), Elizabeth & Annabelle Cash, Finnegan & Lennon Fenwick, Isla & Knox Greenhow, Brian Morrow; great-great grandchildren, Eliana Hunstable, Jenna & Jaycee Morrow; sister, Loretta Larson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Calvin & Marion Becker; her brother-in-law, Chuck Larson; grandson, Nathan Estep; and great-grandson, Jeremy Morrow.

There will be a time of visitation on Tuesday, June 24th at 10am followed by a services at 11am at Grace Valley CRC with Pastor Eric Schlukebir officiating followed by burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in Ethel's name for FHN Hospice and Oakley Courts Assisted Living.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.