Lola Mae (Stanersen) Swinford

Lola was born the youngest of three children to Albert and Evelyn Stanersen in Joliet, Illinois. While growing up there, her childhood summers were spent enjoying fun with friends and family at their lake cottage in Michigan.

In Lola‘s early years, she began her walk with Jesus and grew to be an inspiration to many people in their faith walk. While achieving good grades as a student, she earned money babysitting when she wasn’t busy with her many school activities. Evidenced in her High School yearbook, she experienced many adventures and fun with her girlfriends. Activities included being an ROTC sponsor, participation in acapella choir, and attending any and all dances.   

Following graduating from Joliet Township High School, Lola earned her Registered Nurse Degree specializing in premature infants, first practicing at Silver Cross Hospital. She returned to nursing after her children were in their middle and high school years. Lola went from the youngest preemies to working with the elderly at a nursing home in Auburn. Caring for all ages, she completed her nursing career at a private general practice here in Kent. 

While in nursing school, Lola started dating Bill, her brother Lewie’s best friend. Married on August 24, 1956, they were devoted to each other for over 66 years. She refers to getting married to Bill as the “happiest moment in my life”.    

Lola took great joy in raising her four children and playing grandmother to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a mom all her kids’ friends called “mom” or at least wished she was their mom. 

As a dedicated church member Lola participated and led multiple Bible studies and Sunday school classes.  She was very involved in activities with her children including Girl and Cub Scouts, PTA, and numerous church activities.

Having resided in Kent for the last 49 years, her family continues to grow in the surrounding areas and beyond. After Bill’s passing in 2022, she moved to Cogir Assisted Living and made even more wonderful friends. 

Throughout her life, Lola was an inspiration to so many people and her smile was infectious. She had a way of making people know that she “saw them” and that they were special and loved and that she was there for them. To know Lola was to love Lola. Her favorite phase was “I give God all the thanks, praise, honor and glory”.

Lola is predeceased by her husband, Bill, her sister Ruth and her eldest daughter, Nancie Sue Brooks. She is survived by her brother Lewie (Lou) Stanersen; son Tom (Sandi) Swinford; daughter Cindi (Mike) Bentz; and daughter Diane (Mike) Norman; eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren (with more on the way).

A Celebration of Life and Faith will be held on Friday, February 16th at 1pm at Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave S, Kent, WA 98032.  The service will also be livestreamed on YouTube (Kent Lutheran Church, then look for Lola Swinford Memorial).  Lola will be buried with Bill at Tahoma National Cemetery.

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