Nancy Sue (Bonesteel) Swope

Nancy Sue (Bonesteel) Swope, 79, of Savoy, IL, passed from this life on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL, surrounded by her son & daughter-in-law and into the presence of Jesus on the day we celebrate his birth.

She was born in the rural West Union area on January 6, 1943, to Vance William & Mary Marie (Ingle) Bonesteel, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Joseph Swope on August 2, 1996, and he preceded her in death on December 3, 2021. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Norman Bonesteel, Donald Bonesteel, and Rex Bonesteel; by her sisters, Pauline St. John, Anna Mae Holler, and Rosalie Daugherty; by two nieces that grew up with her after their mother died: Sarah Tuttle and Carol Harmon; one infant stepdaughter, Judith Ann Swope; a stepson-in-law, Bob Cain; and two step-grandchildren.

She is survived by her son & daughter-in-law, William Wesley & Sheri Cornwell (Melrose, IL); by her step-sons & daughters-in-law, Larry Lee & Faith Swope (Beaumont, TX) and Michael Ray & Mishelle Swope (Bellview, FL); by her step-daughter, Peggy Jo Cain (Robinson, IL); by two grandsons, Adam M. & Shelby Lagemann and Jared Lagemann; by one great-grandson, Dean Randall Lagemann; by six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild (all from Joe); by her brother & sister-in-law, James Dallas & Karen Bonesteel; by her sister-in-law, Arlene Bonesteel; and many nieces & nephews.

Nancy spent a few years employed at TRW until her son was born, and then Nancy spent several years as a stay-at-home mom. She was able to gain employment again with the County Treasurer's office in the Clark County Courthouse from 1984 until her retirement in 2000.

Time away from work often found Nancy outdoors. She kept a garden for years and often canned the fruits of her labor when she was younger. She was also an avid mushroom hunter until her diminishing health eventually forced her to give it up.

Many years ago, she participated in a square-dancing group in West Union. Though the group had long ago dissolved, her love of country music never did, nor did her interest in TV shows about animals, cooking, and the old West. These themes (and many others) were explored in the countless books she read over the course of her retirement years, a period of time that also found Nancy taking in the beauty of God's creation by way of her travels with Joe. More than anything, Nancy enjoyed spending time with her beloved family, who will cherish their many memories of this dear soul until, by the grace of God, they meet again!

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 31st, at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, with Pastor Billie Ray Ulrey officiating. For those unable to attend, a recording of the service will eventually be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery.