Barbara Lavon Bigelow Swanson

Oct. 3, 1935 – Jan. 1, 2018
Our loving mother, Barbara Lavon Bigelow Swanson, at the age of 82, passed away at her home on Jan. 1, 2018 from the effects of cancer. She was surrounded by her children. Barbara was born Oct. 3, 1935 to William Levon and Sylvia Lavern (Hunt) Bigelow in Price, Utah. She was the second of five daughters. In 1940, the family moved from Green River, Utah to Ely, Nevada where Barbara gained, not only an education, but also a life-long friend; Wanda Cummings.
Barbara was a gifted pianist with a flair for Ragtime and Big Band music. By the age of 16, she was a member of the Musician’s Union in Nevada and was playing with local dance bands. Friends and family have said that, anytime Barbara began playing the piano, you couldn’t help but want to get up and start dancing, or at least start tapping your toe, to the catchy rhythms. In school, Barbara played the Alto Saxophone, and after graduation, decided to learn to play the accordion, which she did. She played beautifully!
Barbara graduated from White Pine High School, Ely Nevada, in 1953. She and her family then moved back to Green River, Utah where she met, and later married Leland “Lee” Sherman Swanson Aug. 27, 1954. After raising their three children in Green River, and then Moab, Lee and Barbara eventually moved their family to St. George, Utah in 1971. Barbara had a talent for making any guest feel welcome in her home! She was the perfect hostess. An avid reader, Barbara could often be found absorbed in a good book, and there would always be a book lying on the table near her favorite chair. Barbara also enjoyed geology and nature. She hiked often in the beautiful St. George hills; even several times a week for years.
Barbara is survived by her children, all of whom currently live in Utah; Gale (Susan) Swanson of St. George; Vonae (Scott) Thorell of West Jordan; and Sonja Swanson of St. George. Barbara is also survived by two beloved sisters, Billie Mae (David) Olney of Sandy, Utah; Betty (Layne) Harward of Farmington, Utah; and by a step daughter-in-law, Eileen (Mike) Swanson of Missouri. Barbara leaves behind her cherished nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and four step-grandchildren. She also leaves behind several dear nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018 from 3-4:30 p.m. at Pine View Mortuary located at 566 North Mall Drive, St. George, Utah, 84790.
Funeral services will be in Green River, Utah on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in the LDS Church building located at 95 N Clark St, Green River, Utah 84525. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and the funeral will start at Noon. Interment will be in the Elgin Cemetery in Green River. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Pine View Mortuary in St. George, Utah.