Janice (Becky) Eileen Swanson, 86, of Urbana passed away at 7:15 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Grace Lutheran Church, Champaign. Visitation with the family will be one hour before to the service. Committal will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery followed with a reception in the fellowship hall at Grace Lutheran Church.

Becky was born on December 5, 1927 in Moline, Illinois to parents David and Lucy (Anderson) Beckstrom. They preceded her in death. On June 23, 1951 she married Earl Swanson in Rock Island. She is survived by her spouse, one son, Paul Eric Swanson (Phyllis) of Zionsville, IN, one daughter, Ann Kristin O'Klock (Mikel) of Moline, IL, three grand children, Sarah Nickel (Nate), Jonathon Swanson (Ashleigh), Erika Swanson and two great grand daughters, Kaydence and Isabella. Her son, Rolf Earl Swanson, preceded her in death in 2001.

Becky was a graduate of Rock Island High School and Augustana College, where she received her B.A., majoring in music and biology. She was a member of the Augustana Choir and the Rock Island Fine Arts Club. After graduation, she worked for the Rural Sociology Extension Service at the University of Illinois. Becky became the "chief executive officer of a multi-faceted business". She was a Girl Scout leader, President of the Augustana College Alumni Association and a perpetual supporter of the Fighting Illini, including serving as chairwoman of the Courtsiders support group for women's basketball. She was a longtime member of the Grace Lutheran Church, serving in the Choir, the church's food pantry and the Altar Guild. She volunteered her time to Meals on Wheels, Empty Tomb, and Carle Auxiliary.

Becky enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, vocal performance, and visiting with her family and friends. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or to the David and Lucy Beckstrom Scholarship Fund at Augustana College.