Joan Swan

Hastings resident, loving wife, mother, and friend, Joan Titus Swan passed away peacefully on July 14, 2017, in Omaha at Methodist Hospital. She was surrounded by her family.

Joan's life in selfless service influenced the lives of countless people. Her beauty, elegance, commitment, passion and strong desire to help others were felt by every hand she touched and every project in which she was involved. She saw the beauty in everyone.

She was born on June 2, 1926, in Holdrege, Nebraska to Gladys (Hanna) Titus and Liscomb Waller Titus. Joan was raised in Holdrege, attended Scripps College in Claremont, California, graduating in 1948 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a B.S. in Home Economics and Textiles. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. After college, she worked in Kansas City, Missouri as a dress designer and model for Nelly Don Corp., a sister company to Vogue.

Joan returned to Nebraska in 1950 and met Norris Volk Swan. Norris lived in Hastings where he had opened the Hastings branch of Swan's Furniture Stores in 1948, after the war. They were married in 1952 and started a family. They enjoyed nearly 65 years of marriage. She was an incredible hostess and life partner in many ways, including her service as First Lady and Shrine Auxiliary President during Norris' ascent to and year as Potentate of Tehema Shrine.

Of her many roles, family was her primary focus. Joan raised her three children with love and wisdom. She was a YWCA play school president, Y-teens leader, Sunday School teacher, den leader, Brownie leader and more.

Joan's tireless energy and commitment to helping others radiated in everything she did. She served as Secretary and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Titus bank, First National Bank of Holdrege. After her children were grown, she took on additional responsibilities at the bank including compliance and facility management. A deeply spiritual woman, Joan was a member of the First Presbyterian Church serving in many capacities including Trustee and the Memorial Gifts committee. She was a member of Chapter G, PEO and again served in many capacities including President. During her tenure as President of the Mary Lanning Hospital Auxiliary Joan established the Pink Elephant Thrift Shop. She was a member of the YWCA and Round Table Book Club. In 1979, she was honored as Woman of the Year for her community contributions. She served on the Sunnyside Home Board of Directors for 26 years. Joan inherited a passion for libraries, education and reading from her mother, a licensed librarian. She served as Chairman of the Board of the Adams County Library, was instrumental in creating the Hastings Library Foundation, expanding and redesigning the children's library at the Holdrege Public Library in her mother's honor, and served on the State Library Board.

A true lover and patron of the arts, Joan was a director of the multi-state Mid-America Arts Alliance. During her tenure, the I-80 sculptures were created and installed. She was a founding board member of the Friends of the Lied Center in Lincoln. She was involved in and supported local and regional arts associations, museums, and scholarships, including establishing a scholarship in her sister's honor. Among her many creative talents were needle and culinary arts. Joan was an avid golfer, a member of Meadowbrook CC then Lochland CC. She was deeply involved in designing the original clubhouse at LCC. A very capable bridge player, she enjoyed the game with several clubs. In this, as in life, she & Norris participated as partners.

She is survived by: Husband of nearly 65 years, Norris Swan - Hastings, NE; Children & Spouses: Shellea Swan & John Richards - Bellingham, WA, Harold Titus "Ty" & Linda K. Swan - Holdrege, NE, Karen & Kirk Dielman - Hastings, NE; Grandchildren & Spouses: Titus Richards - Seattle, WA, Charles Richards - Seattle, WA, Sarah & Blake Selph - Papillion, NE, Sam & Cari Sughroue - Holdrege, NE, Hanna & Jonathan Koerner - Washington, D.C., George Dielman - Brooklyn, NY; Great-Grandchildren: 5; Sister-in-law: Elaine Pettijohn - San Marcos, CA; Niece & Spouse: Tami & Jerry Jacobson - Castle Rock, CO; and Nephew: Todd Pettijohn - Grand Island, NE.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Jane Titus; and brothers-in-law, Harold E. Swan and Daleard Pettijohn.

Services will be Monday, July 24, 2017; 2:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church, Hastings with Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Hastings, reception to follow at Lochland Country Club. Memorials may be given to Hastings Public Library or First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be Sunday, July 23, 2017; 3:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. with family present 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church.